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What Causes Abnormal 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.

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