This thesis proved that chest wall motion analysis technology could be used in thoracic surgery to answer a number of clinical and physiological questions. We used it either as a diagnostic tool or for the evaluation of an intervention outcome. We divided its use as a diagnostic tool into two categories; 1- diagnosis before surgery and 2- diagnosis after surgery. In the evaluation of an intervention outcome, we divided its use after a number of interventions:
1. Cosmetic Surgery:
Chapter 5: The Effect of Pectus Carinatum (Pigeon Chest)
Repair on Chest Wall Mechanics
2. Prognostic Surgery:
a) Chapter 4: The Effect of Chest Wall Reconstruction on Chest Wall Mechanics
b) Chapter 10: Late Changes in Chest Wall Mechanics Post Lung Resection: The Effect of Lung Cancer Resection In COPD patients
3. Palliative Surgery:
a) Chapter 6: The Effect of Lung Volume Reduction Surgery on Chest Wall Mechanics
b) Chapter 3: The Effect of Diaphragmatic Plication (Fixation) on Chest Wall Mechanics
4. Post-operative Intervention:
Chapter 8: The Effect of Thoracic Nerve Blocks on Chest Wall Mechanics