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Kyphosis - Treatment

Alternative Names

Scheuermann's disease; Roundback; Hunchback; Postural kyphosis

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder:

Congenital kyphosis requires corrective surgery at an early age.
Scheuermann's disease is treated with a brace and physical therapy. Occasionally surgery is needed for large (greater than 60 degrees), painful curves.
Multiple compression fractures from osteoporosis can be left alone if there are no nervous system problems or pain. However, the osteoporosis needs to be treated to help prevent future fractures. For debilitating deformity or pain, surgery is an option.
Kyphosis caused by infection or tumor needs to be treated more aggressively, often with surgery and medications.

Treatment for other types of kyphosis depends on the cause. Surgery may be necessary if neurological symptoms develop.

Expectations (prognosis):

Adolescents with Scheuermann's disease tend do well even if they need surgery, and the disease stops once they stop growing. If the kyphosis is due to degenerative joint disease or multiple compression fractures, surgery is needed to correct the defect and improve pain.

Complications:

Decreased lung capacity
Disabling back pain
Neurological symptoms including leg weakness or paralysis
Round back deformity

Skeletal spine

Kyphosis

Reviewed last on: 7/17/2008
Andrew L Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Shelton YA. Scoliosis and kyphosis in adolescents: diagnosis and management. Adolesc Med State Art Rev. 2007;18:121-139.

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