Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
An International Organization Dedicated to the Education, Research and Treatment of Spinal Deformity
Our Mission is to Foster Optimal Care for All Patients with Spinal Deformities
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What Causes Abnormal Kyphosis?

kyphosis kyphosis
Figure 1A: Figure 1B:
Hyperkyphosis (roundback) is commonly used to refer to excessive curvature of the thoracic spine when viewed from the side (Figure 1A&B). Excessive roundback deformity may simply be postural and can often be corrected with exercises and proper posture. A small percentage of patients with kyphosis may have more rigid deformities than the postural type, which are associated with wedged vertebrae. This type is called Scheuermann's kyphosis and is much more difficult to treat than postural kyphosis. Its cause is unknown. Bracing may be recommended for the immature adolescent with Scheuermann's kyphosis.

Congenital kyphosis results from errors of formation one or more bones of the spine. It is the least common cause of excessive roundback and requires evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon.

Excessive roundback may also be seen as a result of medical diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis or osteoporosis.

Kyphosis
Scoliosis
Congenital Scoliosis
Early Onset Scoliosis
About Early Onset Scoliosis
Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis
Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome
Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis
Other Types of Early Onset Scoliosis
Treatment
Idiopathic Scoliosis
Adolescents
Adults
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Spondylolysis
The Aging Spine
Commonly Asked Patient Questions
Frequently Asked Scoliosis Questions
What Are My Treatment Options?