Scheuermann’s Kyphosis/Disease

The increased thoracic kyphosis
which occurs in Scheuermann’s is a
rigid deformity. Unlike postural
kyphosis, it does not correct when the
patient is asked to stand tall or when
the patient is
asked to bend forward. It is a structural
kyphosis that occurs when the front
sections of the vertebrae grow slower
than the back sections. This results in
wedge-shaped vertebrae rather than
rectangular shaped vertebrae that line
up well (Figure 1). This occurs during a
period of rapid bone growth, usually
between the ages of 12 and 15. The abnormal kyphosis is
best viewed from the side in the forward-bending position
where a sharp, angular abnormal kyphosis is clearly visible.
Patients with Scheuermann’s disease often present
with poor posture and complaints of back pain. Back pain is
most common during the early teenage years and in most
instances will decrease as they approach adulthood. The
pain rarely interferes with daily activity or professional
careers. Patients with postural kyphosis have no
abnormalities in the spinal vertebrae. However, patients
with Scheuermann’s kyphosis demonstrate asymmetrical
growth of several vertebrae which causes a sharp, rigid
angular kyphosis