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Kyphosis
What is kyphosis of the back?
When we look at the spine from the side, we can identify three natural curves. There is a lordosis in the cervical spine (neck), a kyphosis in the thoracic spine (mid-back), and a lordosis in the lumbar spine (lower back).
It is normal for the spine to have these curves and to form an S-shape when viewed from the side. In some cases, these curves become more pronounced, and when thoracic kyphosis exceeds 50°, it is considered pathological.
What are it's types and symptoms?
The most common type is postural kyphosis (also called roundback), which is flexible and can be corrected if the patient makes an effort.
The second, rarer type is Scheuermann’s kyphosis, which results from degeneration of the intervertebral discs at a young age. It can be distinguished from postural kyphosis because it becomes more prominent when the patient bends forward and the back is observed from the side. The exact cause of Scheuermann’s disease is unknown, but it is likely hereditary, as it often appears in multiple members of the same family. It typically manifests between the ages of 12 and 14.
There is also kyphosis caused by fractures (from trauma or cancer) or by infections.
How is kyphosis diagnosed?
It can be diagnosed by having the patient bend forward while the doctor observes the spine from the side. In cases of acute kyphosis (such as from fractures or infections), the curvature is even more visible (known as a Gibbus deformity).
The doctor may also assess tightness in the hamstrings and any spinal pain. The main imaging test is a plain X-ray, which allows for the measurement of the curvature angle.
What are the treatment and management options?
Conservative treatment
Physical exercise is the recommended therapy for postural kyphosis.
For Scheuermann’s kyphosis, a brace is often prescribed to prevent the condition from worsening, provided that the child is still growing. The brace must be combined with physical therapy and exercise to maintain spinal mobility and muscle strength.
Surgical treatment
If kyphosis continues to progress despite conservative measures, or if it is already severe, surgery may be necessary.
Surgical intervention is typically considered when thoracic kyphosis exceeds 80–90°, whereas the normal thoracic curve ranges from 20° to 40°.
Spinal fusion is the standard procedure, and often requires spinal osteotomies (surgical cuts in the bones) to correct the deformity.
Χειρουργός Σπονδυλικής Στήλης
- Ο Χειρουργός Σπονδυλικής Στήλης/ Σκολίωσης Δρ. Ηλίας Χαρ. Παπαδόπουλος γεννήθηκε και μεγάλωσε στην Αθήνα. Αποφοίτησε με Άριστα από την Ιατρική Σχολή Αθηνών το 1994 και στη συνέχεια ειδικεύτηκε στην ορθοπαιδική, στην Α’ Ορθοπαιδική Κλινική του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών.
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