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A disorder named for the physician that recognized wedging and irregular edges of vertebrae on x-ray.
An increase in the "normal" thoracic kyphosis (20-50°) with the specific structural changes in the vertebrae is often referred to as Scheuermann's Kyphosis.
Cause:
- May have familial occurrence
- Often unknown
Symptoms:
- Presence of an inflexible back deformity
- Intermittent aching back pain
- With increased thoracic kyphosis may have increased lumbar lordosis (sway back) with increased low back pain.
Treatment:
Determined by patient's age and severity of deformity and symptoms.
Non-operative - Milwaukee Brace
- Support of spine in corrected position.
- Underarm braces may be effective for kyphosis in the lower
thoracic area of the spine.
- Exercises are often used in conjunction with brace treatment
Operative - Spinal Fusion
- Posterior fusion or Anterior/Posterior combined fusion
- Often recommended for more severe curves and/or for those who are more skeletally mature
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