KyphosisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Kyphosis
Kyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing or rounding of the back. This leads to a hunchback or slouching posture.
Scheuermann disease; Roundback; Hunchback; Postural kyphosis; Neck pain - kyphosis
Kyphosis can occur at any age, although it is rare at birth.
A type of kyphosis that occurs in young teens is known as Scheuermann disease. It is caused by the wedging together of several bones of the spine (vertebrae) in a row. The cause of this condition is unknown. Kyphosis can also occur in young teens who have cerebral palsy.
In adults, kyphosis can be caused by:
- Degenerative diseases of the spine (such as arthritis or disk degeneration)
- Fractures caused by osteoporosis (osteoporotic compression fractures)
- Injury (trauma)
- Slipping of one vertebra forward on another (spondylolisthesis)
- Previous surgeries or fusion on the spine
Other causes of kyphosis include:
- Certain hormone (endocrine) diseases
- Connective tissue disorders
- Infection (such as tuberculosis)
- Muscular dystrophy (group of inherited disorders that cause muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue)
- Neurofibromatosis (disorder in which nerve tissue tumors form)
- Paget disease (disorder that involves abnormal bone destruction and regrowth)
- Polio
- Scoliosis (curving of the spine often looks like a C or S when viewed from behind)
- Spina bifida (birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal don't close before birth)
- Tumors of the spine or the area nearby
Pain in the middle or lower back is the most common symptom. Other symptoms may include any of the following:
- Round back appearance
- Tenderness and stiffness in the spine
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder:
- Congenital kyphosis needs corrective surgery at an early age.
- Scheuermann disease is treated with a brace and physical therapy. Sometimes surgery is needed for large (greater than 60 degrees), painful curves.
- Compression fractures from osteoporosis can be left alone if there are no nervous system problems or pain. But the osteoporosis needs to be treated to help prevent future fractures. For severe deformity or pain from osteoporosis, surgery is an option.
- Kyphosis caused by infection or tumor needs prompt treatment, often with surgery and medicines.
Treatment for other types of kyphosis depends on the cause. Surgery is needed if nervous system symptoms or constant pain develop.
St. Christopher's Hospital For Children
. Dr. Samdani is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Kyphosis. He is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Scoliosis, Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Spinal Fusion, and Osteotomy. Dr. Samdani is board certified in American Board Of Neurological Surgery.
Duke Spine Center - Clinic 1B/1C
Throughout my medical career, I have remained dedicated to improving my patients' quality of life. As a specialist in adult cervical and spinal deformity surgery, I understand the significant impact our interventions have on individuals suffering from debilitating pain and physical and mental health challenges. Spinal deformity surgery merges the complexities of spinal biomechanics with the needs of an aging population. My research focuses on spinal alignment, biomechanics, innovative surgical techniques, and health economics to ensure value-based care that enhances patient outcomes. Dr. Passias is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Kyphosis. He is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Kyphosis, Lordosis, Scoliosis, Osteotomy, and Spinal Fusion. Dr. Passias is board certified in American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Spine.
Northwell Health Physician Partners Orthopaedic Institute At Lenox Hill
An internationally renowned spine surgeon, Frank Schwab, MD, FAAOS, specializes in complex spinal pathology, pediatric and adult spinal deformity and revision reconstruction procedures. Dr Schwab s areas of clinical focus include innovating patient-specific operative treatment, optimizing sagittal realignment guidelines, emphasizing the use of pre-operative planning technologies and techniques for complex spine surgery. He is widely recognized as a leader in the field and has pioneered many aspects of spinal deformity care, especially for patients with extensive surgical histories. Dr Schwab also developed the first definitive classification of adult spinal deformity that has become a clinical standard for spinal surgeons all over the world. Dr. Schwab is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Kyphosis. He is also highly rated in 13 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Lordosis, Kyphosis, Scoliosis, Osteotomy, and Spinal Fusion. Dr. Schwab is board certified in American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Young teens with Scheuermann disease tend to do well, even if they need surgery. 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.
Untreated kyphosis can cause any of the following:
- Decreased lung capacity
- Disabling back pain
- Nervous system symptoms, including leg weakness or paralysis
- Round back deformity
- Increased self-consciousness or body awareness
Treating and preventing osteoporosis can prevent many cases of kyphosis in older adults. Early diagnosis and bracing for Scheuermann disease can reduce the need for surgery, but there is no way to prevent the disease.
Summary: The goal of this feasibility clinical trial is to learn if melatonin can help teens having major musculoskeletal surgery by promoting healthy sleep. Melatonin is available as a dietary supplement that may be effective in promoting longer, higher quality sleep. This study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of melatonin for teens undergoing major musculoskeletal surgery, as well as determ...
Summary: CACP syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the triad of camptodactyly, non-inflammatory arthropathy with synovial hyperplasia, and coxa vara. Occasionally, non-inflammatory pericarditis and pleural effusion may also occur. This syndrome is likely underdiagnosed due to its rarity. Epidemiological information is limited to isolated case reports or small patient series, wit...
Published Date: August 27, 2024
Published By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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McClincy MP, Olgun ZD, Dede O. Orthopedics. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 22.
Warner WC, Sawyer JR. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 44.