Kyphosis: Causes, Types and Treatment

Received: 05-Nov-2021;Accepted Date: Nov 19, 2021; Published: 26-Nov-2021

Introduction

Kyphosis is a spinal condition in which the upper back is abnormally rounded due to an excessive curve in the spine. Round back or, in the instance of a severe curve, hunchback are terms used to describe the disease. Kyphosis can occur at any stage but it is mostly observed in adolescents. Lordosis is an abnormal inward concave lordotic curving of the cervical and lumbar portions of the spine. Degenerative disc disease, developmental anomalies, most commonly Scheuermann’s disease, osteoporosis with vertebral compression fractures, multiple myeloma, or trauma can all cause it.

The first thoracic vertebra to the 12th thoracic vertebra should have a minor kyphotic angle ranging from 20° to 45° in a normal thoracic spine. Kyphosis or “hyperkyphosis” is a condition in which the “roundness” of the upper spine exceeds 45 degrees. Mild kyphosis has few consequences. Severe kyphosis can be painful and unsightly. Kyphosis treatment is determined on your age, as well as the source and effects of the curvature. There are many causes for the kyphosis like fracture of vertebrae, osteoporosis, the degeneration of the discs between vertebrae, Scheuermann disease, birth defects, cancer in spine and other syndromes.

Kyphosis comes in a variety of forms. The three that influence children and adolescents the most are: The most frequent type of kyphosis is postural kyphosis, which usually appears around adolescence. It manifests clinically as slouching or bad posture, but it is not linked to serious structural abnormalities of the spine. Girls are more likely than boys to have postural kyphosis. Scheuermann’s kyphosis is most noticeable throughout adolescence. Scheuermann’s kyphosis, on the other hand, can cause a more severe deformity than postural kyphosis. A structural defect in the spine causes Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Scheuermann’s kyphosis is most commonly found in the thoracic spine, but it can also occur in the lumbar spine. The illness is more common in boys than in girls, and it does not progress after the child has reached adulthood. Scheuermann’s kyphosis can be unpleasant at times. If pain is present, it is usually felt at the curve’s most prominent section, or apex. Congenital kyphosis is a type of kyphosis that is present at birth. It happens when the baby’s spinal column does not develop normally in the womb. It’s possible that the bones don’t form properly, or that numerous vertebrae are fused together. As a youngster grows older, congenital kyphosis usually worsens.

Degenerative kyphosis is a type of deformity that develops over time as a result of wear and tear on the spine. The most common cause of kyphosis is spinal arthritis, which is characterised by disc degradation. Children with certain neuromuscular illnesses, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy, may develop neuromuscular kyphosis. Surgery may be a viable choice for enhancing one’s quality of life. Certain vitamin deficiencies in children, such as a vitamin D deficiency, produce nutritional kyphosis.

Soft tissue inflammation or deep inflammatory processes, breathing difficulties, haemorrhage, and nerve damage are all possible problems. In a randomised controlled experiment, body braces were found to be beneficial. In severe circumstances, surgery may be required. A treatment termed kyphoplasty can help patients with growing kyphotic deformity due to vertebral collapse stop the distortion and relieve discomfort.