Kyphosis is an excessive forward bend in the spine, typically characterized by rounded shoulders.
In younger people the most common form is Scheuermann’s Kyphosis, a developmental condition that occurs during teenage years (ages 12–16/18), primarily affecting boys. It results from the elongation and wedge-shaped formation of the thoracic vertebrae, generating a forward curve.
There is also a degenerative, age-related form of kyphosis that occurs due to disc compression and loss of height as people age. This results in a forward lean and, in some cases, a flattened back.
Webinar: KYPHOSIS
In this 20-minute breakfast briefing for GPs, I will cover symptoms, diagnosis and surgery in more detail.
Date: Wednesday 19 March 2025
Time: 8.00am
The Symptoms of Kyphosis
Scheuermann’s Kyphosis:
Typically there is no pain, which if it does arise can be managed through exercise; and there is little if any functional impairment.
The main issue for young adults is their physical appearance, as it can be perceived as disfiguring. Though it must be noted that even for those that are operated on, a number are still dissatisfied after the procedure.
Surgery is usually reserved for kyphosis of 90 degrees or more.
Degenerative Kyphosis:
The forward bent posture can lead to significant muscle strain of the back and tire the lower limbs, and so lead to difficulty in walking.
Post-Surgery Kyphosis:
Kyphosis can arise in patients that have had previous fusion surgery. It arises when the vertebrae above the surgical site collapse.
Diagnosing Kyphosis
A clinical assessment and if the curvature appears high, then an x-ray to accurately measure the curvature.
Treatment of Kyphosis
For those with Scheuermann’s Kyphosis:
- A full-frontal brace is an option to correct the condition as they grow, though it is inconvenient and unpopular.
- If people are experiencing some mild pain, then physical exercise is recommended.
- Even those with severe kyphosis will only be considered for surgery after they have stopped growing.
Degenerative Cases:
The use of walking sticks and frames is encouraged, and pain can be managed through physical therapies and medications.
For those with severe kyphosis corrective surgery is an option, though it is a major procedure and only considered if the patient’s pathology indicates that they will experience a marked improvement in their quality of life.
Even then it is recommended for fit adults (typically in their sixties and early seventies) who will recover from the after-effects of the procedure.
The procedure itself involves extensive fusion of the spine.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Patients are encouraged to walk and be active within a day of surgery. The hospital stay can be up to two weeks for the procedure and rehabilitation, depending on patient’s recovery.
Post-surgical recovery is expected after three months.
As always if you have any questions about your patient, please feel free to call me. I will return your call and discuss how I can help. You can also reach me via ralphstanford@powspine.com.au.
KYPHOSIS WEBINAR: Wednesday 19 March at 8am
“Extremely useful opportunity to learn; concise content and I enjoyed the practical demonstration of operative procedure.”
GP feedback on webinar on Cervical Disc Herniation, April 2024.
Posted 12 February 2025
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