Scheuermann Kyphosis

When viewed from the side, the human spine has a series of normal curves. The lower back or lumbar spine is curved anteriorly (lordosis). The upper back curves outward and is referred to as a thoracic kyphosis. This is a C-shaped opening anteriorly. The cervical spine maintains a mild lordosis. When any of these curves are excessive, they can cause pain and cosmetic deformity. The normal thoracic kyphosis is between 20 and 40. There are several causes of excessive kyphosis. A congenital fusion or abnormality may cause a fixed kyphosis noted early in life. Later in life, osteoporosis may cause an excessive kyphosis, or dowager's hump, due to compression fractures. In the adolescent, there are two causes of noted kyphosis. One is postural, due to slouching and poor spinal extension strength, and is usually correctible with postural strengthening. The second is Scheuermann kyphosis.

Scheuermann kyphosis is a developmental fixed deformity of adolescence. By definition, there are at least three consecutive vertebrae involved, with anterior wedging of 5 or more. The prevalence has been estimated to be between 4% and 8% of the population. It is usually recognized during the adolescent growth spurt. When detected with spinal growth remaining, it can be minimized with exercises and bracing. Thus, early recognition is important.