Orthopaedic Conditions

CONDITIONS OF THE SPINE

• Kyphosis

Kyphosis- Forward curvature of the spine that can affect children or adults. This disorder may cause a deformity described as humpback or hunchback. Kyphosis can be in the form of hyperkyphosis or sharp angular deformity or a more gradual curve that is excessively angled forward. The cervical and lumbar spine are normally lordotic (gently curved backward) whereas the thoracic spine (midback) curves forward naturally (kyphotic). Some conditions can result in kyphosis of the cervical or lumbar spine or exaggerated kyphosis of the thoracic spine. Kyphosis can be excessive in conditions such as fractures of the spine, severe loss of disc height from disc herniation or arthritis, multiple osteoporotic fractures of the vertebrae, postural round back, Scheuermann's Disease, Congenital Kyphosis, neuromuscular disorders, trauma, tumors, infection, and arthritis. This results in an abnormally "pitched-forward" posture. Kyphosis can also occur after spinal fusions when the normally curved lumbar spine becomes abnormally flattened. This condition can lead to persistent pain and the need for corrective surgery in some instances.