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Scheuermann’s Kyphosis

What is Scheuermann’s Kyphosis?

Scheuermann’s kyphosis is a structural spinal deformity where several thoracic vertebrae wedge forward, creating a rigid, rounded upper back beyond normal posture ranges. It typically emerges during adolescence and can progress during growth, sometimes causing pain, fatigue, and cosmetic concern.

Symptoms

Symptoms can be mild or progressive, and often relate to curve size and rigidity.

  • Visible rounded back that doesn’t fully correct with standing up straight
  • Mid-back pain, stiffness, or muscle fatigue after activity
  • Tight hamstrings, reduced flexibility, and occasional breathing fatigue in severe curves

Causes

The exact cause is not fully understood, but several factors are associated.

  • Vertebral wedging during adolescent growth
  • Genetic predisposition and rapid growth spurts
  • Muscular imbalance and tight posterior chain contributing to symptoms

Diagnosis

Assessment confirms structural kyphosis and excludes other causes.

  • Clinical exam assessing posture, flexibility, and hamstring tightness
  • Standing spine X-rays measuring thoracic kyphosis and vertebral wedging
  • MRI for atypical pain, neurological symptoms, or to evaluate discs and spinal cord

Treatment

Management depends on curve size, symptoms, and skeletal maturity.

  • Targeted physiotherapy, posture training, hamstring stretching, and activity modification
  • Bracing during growth for moderate, progressive curves to limit worsening
  • Pain management strategies and sport load modification
  • Surgical correction (posterior instrumented fusion) for severe, rigid, or symptomatic curves not responding to non-operative care