Health Encyclopedia

Kyphosis

Definition

Kyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing of the back, which leads to a hunchback or slouching posture.

Alternative Names

Scheuermann's disease; Roundback; Hunchback; Postural kyphosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Kyphosis is a spinal deformity. It can be caused by:

Degenerative disease (such as arthritis)
Developmental problems
Trauma

Kyphosis can occur at any age, although it is rare at birth.

Adolescent kyphosis, also known as Scheuermann's disease, is caused by the wedging together of several bones of the spine (vertebrae) in a row. The cause of Scheuermann's disease is unknown.

In adults, kyphosis can be a result of:

Fractures caused by osteoporosis (osteoporotic compression fractures)
Slipping of one vertebra forward on another (spondylolisthesis)

Other causes of kyphosis include:

Certain endocrine diseases
Connective tissue disorders
Disk degeneration
Infection (such as tuberculosis)
Muscular dystrophy
Neurofibromatosis
Paget's disease
Polio
Spina bifida
Tumors

Kyphosis can also be seen with scoliosis. Each cause has its own risk factors.

Symptoms

Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
Fatigue
Mild back pain
Round back appearance
Tenderness and stiffness in the spine

Signs and tests

Physical examination by a health care provider confirms the abnormal curve of the spine. The doctor will also look for any nervous system (neurological) changes (weakness, paralysis, or changes in sensation) below the curve.

Other tests may include:

Spine x-ray
Pulmonary function tests (if kyphosis affects breathing)
MRI (if there may be a tumor, infection, or neurological symptoms)

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder:

Congenital kyphosis requires corrective surgery at an early age.
Scheuermann's disease is treated with a brace and physical therapy. Occasionally surgery is needed for large (greater than 60 degrees), painful curves.
Multiple compression fractures from osteoporosis can be left alone if there are no nervous system problems or pain. However, the osteoporosis needs to be treated to help prevent future fractures. For debilitating deformity or pain, surgery is an option.
Kyphosis caused by infection or tumor needs to be treated more aggressively, often with surgery and medications.

Treatment for other types of kyphosis depends on the cause. Surgery may be necessary if neurological symptoms develop.

Expectations (prognosis)

Adolescents with Scheuermann's disease tend do well even if they need surgery, and the disease stops once they stop growing. If the kyphosis is due to degenerative joint disease or multiple compression fractures, surgery is needed to correct the defect and improve pain.

Complications

Decreased lung capacity
Disabling back pain
Neurological symptoms including leg weakness or paralysis
Round back deformity

Prevention

Treating and preventing osteoporosis can prevent many cases of kyphosis in the elderly. Early diagnosis and bracing of Scheuermann's disease can reduce the need for surgery, but there is no way to prevent the disease.

References

Shelton YA. Scoliosis and kyphosis in adolescents: diagnosis and management. Adolesc Med State Art Rev. 2007;18:121-139.

Review Date:7/17/2008
Reviewed By:Andrew L Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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