Kyphosis (also known as Scheuermann’s disease; Roundback; Hunchback; Postural kyphosis; Sherman’s Disease) is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing or rounding of the back, which leads to a hunchback or slouching posture.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing (advanced diseases)
- Fatigue
- Mild back pain
- Round back appearance
- Tenderness and stiffness in the spine
Imaging Studies:
- Spine x-ray
- Pulmonary function tests (if kyphosis affects breathing)
- MRI (if there may be a tumor, infection, or neurological symptoms)
Treatment:
- 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.
- Kyphosis caused by infection or tumor needs to be treated more aggressively, often with surgery and medications.
Complications:
- Decreased lung capacity
- Back pain
- Neurological symptoms
- Round back deformity