Kyphosis Definition

Kyphosis is a progressive spine disorder in which the upper back exhibits an abnormal forward rounding or curvature, resulting in a skeletal abnormality sometimes described as humpback or hunchback. Although all spines are rounded to some degree, kyphosis is diagnosed if the curvature is more than 50 degrees, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). MayoClinic.com suggests a lower threshold for a diagnosis of kyphosis, namely a curvature of 40 degrees or more.

Types

• The AAOS recognizes three major types of kyphosis: congenital, Scheuermann's and postural. Congenital kyphosis is characterized by abnormal development of the spine during the fetal development period. During this important stage, bone may not develop as it should or two or more vertebrae may fuse together. As a result, the child is born with kyphosis, a condition that worsens progressively unless there is surgical intervention. Scheuermann's kyphosis generally first appears during the teen years, as does postural kyphosis. However, the severity of deformity is much greater in Scheuermann's.

Symptoms

• The cardinal symptom of kyphosis, as noted earlier, is a forward curvature of the upper back. However, depending on the degree of abnormality, other symptoms may be experienced. According to MedlinePlus, such symptoms include mild back pain, fatigue, tenderness and/or stiffness in the spine and breathing difficulties, which most often are seen in cases of extreme curvature.

Diagnosis

• Your doctor may use a number of tests to confirm a diagnosis of kyphosis in your child or you. The simplest of these tests is a visual inspection of the spine while the patient is bending forward at the waist. Abnormal curvatures of the spine are even more pronounced when the patient is in this position. Other tests may include X-ray imaging of the spine, as well as tests of pulmonary and neurological function to determine if the condition is causing any breathing difficulties or nerve damage.

Treatment

• The AAOS indicates that the form of treatment depends on the severity of the disorder. Postural kyphosis usually can be addressed with a program of exercise to strengthen the back muscles weakened by slouching, while a combination of targeted exercise and anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve symptoms associated with Scheuermann's kyphosis. Surgery is generally not recommended unless the degree of spinal curvature is 75 degrees or more. The principal goal of surgery, according to the AAOS, is to straighten and fuse together the affected segments of the spine.

High-Risk Groups

• Those at greatest risk of developing kyphosis, according to MayoClinic.com, are adolescent girls with poor posture, older adults with osteoporosis and people who have suffered from Marfan syndrome or other connective tissue disorders. The threat of developing Scheuermann's kyphosis is greatest among boys between the ages of 10 and 15. The danger for those with osteoporosis is the possibility of spinal fractures that could pave the way for the development of kyphosis.