Factors Affecting Chest Wall Compliance

• Factors causing Reduced Chest Wall Compliance:

  • Thoracic deformity - causes alteration of mechanics of breathing
  • Kyphosis where spine is curved anteriorly -> bucket handle and pump handle mechanism is disrupted
  • Scoliosis where spine is curved laterally -> bucket handle and pump handle mechanism is disrupted
  • Sternal deformity
  • Circumferential thoracic burn - burn around chest -> burnt tissue is fibrous -> stops thoracic cage expanding up and out
  • Raised intra-abdominal pressure -> diaphragm cant descend
  • Abdominal distension / surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Supine position
  • Aging
• Any condition that causes reduction in lung volumes, Functional Residual Capacity, chest wall compliance or an increase in closing volume will cause airway collapse and atelectasis