Kyphosis in the Adolescent and Young Adult

Scheuermann's Kyphosis/Disease

Figure 1: Wedge shaped appearance of
vertebrae in Scheuermann's Disease.

The increased thoracic kyphosis which occurs in Scheuermann's is a rigid deformity. Unlike postural kyphosis, it does not correct when the patient is asked to stand tall or when the patient is asked to bend forward. It is a structural kyphosis that occurs when the front sections of the vertebrae grow slower than the back sections. This results in wedge-shaped vertebrae rather than rectangular shaped vertebrae that line up well (Figure 1). This occurs during a period of rapid bone growth, usually between the ages of 12 and 15. The abnormal kyphosis is best viewed from the side in the forward-bending position where a sharp, angular abnormal kyphosis is clearly visible.

Patients with Scheuermann's disease often present with poor posture and complaints of back pain. Back pain is most common during the early teenage years and in most instances will decrease as they approach adulthood. The pain rarely interferes with daily activity or professional careers. Patients with postural kyphosis have no abnormalities in the spinal vertebrae. However, patients with Scheuermann's kyphosis demonstrate asymmetrical growth of several vertebrae which causes a sharp, rigid angular kyphosis. (Figure 2)

The kyphotic deformity that develops with growth frequently remains mild and requires only periodic x-rays. When the deformity is moderately severe (55o-80o) and the patient remains skeletally immature, brace treatment in conjunction with an exercise program is the recommended treatment.

Figure 2A: Lateral x-ray of a patient with Scheuermann's disease.
Figure 2B: Close-up x-ray demonstrating wedge-shaped vertebrae characteristic of Scheuermann's disease.

Figure 3A: Skeletally immature male with hyperkyphosis and forward truncal shift.
Figure 3B: A hyperextension brace demonstrating improved truncal balance and decrease in the spinal curvature.

Figure 4A: Preoperative photo of patient with severe kyphosis secondary to
Scheuermann's disease.
Figure 4B: Preoperative x-ray of the same patient.
Figure 4C: Postoperative photos of the same patient one year after surgical
correction of the kyphosis.
Figure 4D: Postoperative x-ray of the same patient.

Full time use of a brace (20 hours/day) is usually required initially until maximum correction has been achieved. The brace fit must be regularly evaluated and adjusted to ensure optimal correction. During the last year of treatment prior to skeletal maturity, part time brace wear (12-14 hours/day) may be proposed. Brace wear must be continued for a minimum of 18 months in order to maintain a significant, permanent correction of the deformity. (Figure 3)

When the kyphotic deformity has become severe (greater than 80^o) and the patient is often experiencing increased back pain, surgical treatment may be recommended. Surgical intervention allows significant correction to be achieved typically without the need for postoperative bracing. Patients are usually able to return to normal daily activities within 4-6 months following surgery. The correction achieved from surgical intervention is remarkable. (Figure 4)

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