Kyphosis in Children

What is kyphosis?

Kyphosis is an abnormal forward curve in the upper spine. Children with kyphosis have a rounded or "hunchback" appearance. While some children are born with kyphosis, most cases develop during adolescence.

Some degree of front-to-back curve of the spine is normal and healthy. However, if a child’s spine curves forward 50 degrees or more, they should be seen by a spine specialist.

Most cases ofadolescent kyphosisare mild. A teen with kyphosis should be closely monitored by a doctor until they have stopped growing. Many will not require treatment. If the forward curve becomes severe, it can lead to pain and deformity that can compress the lungs and interfere with breathing. Severe kyphosis can only be corrected with bracing and may also require surgery.

What are kyphosis symptoms?

Somekyphosis symptomsare visible to the naked eye. Other symptoms are not visible but can make a child with kyphosis uncomfortable.

Visible kyphosis symptoms include:

• visible hump, typically in the upper back
• upper back appears higher than normal when bending forward
• head always or almost always bent forward
• excessive rounding of the shoulders
• difference in the height or position of the shoulders or shoulder blades

Children withsevere kyphosismay have one or more of the following symptoms:

• tight muscles in the backs of their thighs (hamstrings)
• back pain and stiffness
• trouble breathing
• extreme fatigue

What causes kyphosis?

Kyphosis can be caused by different things. In many cases, the exact cause is not known.

One type,Scheuermann’s kyphosis, tends to run in families. Other types of kyphosis can be caused by neuromuscular conditions such ascerebral palsyorspina bifida. Spinal infections and tumors can weaken the vertebrae, causing the spine to collapse forward. Treatments for spinal tumors, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, can also lead to kyphosis.

Factors that increase a child’s risk of developing kyphosis include:

• poor posture (slouching)
• a family history of spine problems
• neuromuscular conditions, likespina bifida,cerebral palsy,osteogenesis imperfecta, andmuscular dystrophy
• metabolic conditions, such asdiabetes
• trauma resulting in aspinal fracturethat goes untreated or heals poorly
• spinal infections such asosteomyelitis
• spinal tumors, either cancerous or benign

Kyphosis and spine anatomy

To understand kyphosis, it helps to understand the structure of the spine. The spine is made up of individual bones, called vertebrae, that are joined together by muscles and ligaments. Our ability to bend and twist our backs come from the fact that vertebrae are separate. Flat, soft discs cushion the vertebrae and prevent them from rubbing against each other.

Together the vertebrae, discs, muscles, and ligaments make up the vertebral column that protects the spinal cord from the base of the spine all the way up to the brain.

The regions of the spine have specific names:

• Cervical spinerefers to the neck region.
• Thoracic spinerefers to the upper back.
• Lumbar spinerefers to the lower back.

驼背通常在胸地区发展of the spine. In rare cases, it can occur in the cervical spine.

What are the different types of kyphosis?

Differenttypes of kyphosishave different causes and become noticeable at different stages of physical development. (The conditions below do not include kyphosis related to trauma, infection, bone cancer, or other disorders.)

Congenital kyphosis

Children withcongenital kyphosisare born with the condition, though it may not be noticeable immediately at birth. The deformity happens when a child’s spinal column does not develop properly in the womb.

Congenital kyphosis often causes compression of the spinal cord and usually gets worse as the child grows. Many children with congenital kyphosis need spine surgery at some point during childhood or adolescence.

Postural kyphosis

Postural kyphosisis the most common, and usually least serious, type of kyphosis. It becomes noticeable in adolescence. Poor posture, including slouching in front of a computer for long periods, can increase the risk that a child’s spine and surrounding muscles will not develop properly.

Postural kyphosis is not a structural deformity, not painful, and most often does not get worse over time. The forward curve is rounded. If asked to stand up straight, a teen with postural kyphosis can do so.

Physical therapy, and in some cases, bracing, can correct the muscular and structural imbalance in the back.

Scheuermann’s kyphosis

Scheuermann’s kyphosis is usually more severe, more rigid, and more deforming than postural kyphosis. Also known asjuvenile kyphosis, it is a structural abnormality that occurs when several vertebrae in the thoracic spine develop a triangular (rather than rectangular) shape. The wedge-like shape causes the spine to bend forward at a sharp angle. A teen with Scheuermann’s kyphosis cannot correct their curve by trying to stand up straight.

本篇报告的驼背迪比卡lly becomes noticeable in early adolescence and continues to progress as long as the child continues growing. In severe cases, this type of kyphosis causes back pain that gets worse after sitting or standing for long periods. Activity can also be painful. Correcting severe cases of Scheuermann’s kyphosis usually requires bracing, and possibly surgery. Typically, orthopedic surgeons delay surgery until after the child has reached their full height.

What are the possible kyphosis complications?

Many children with kyphosis have no complications. For other children, kyphosis progresses and becomes worse over time. If it does progress, the forward curvature can become painful and interfere with lung function. In rare cases, it may also interfere with your child’s eating, making it hard to swallow and possibly causing acid reflux. If your child has kyphosis, it’s very important to have regular check-ups. A spine specialist can monitor the spinal curvature and intervene if it is progressing.

Is it possible to prevent kyphosis?

Just as kyphosis often has no definite cause, there is no sure way to prevent the condition. If you are pregnant or could become pregnant, proper nutrition, prenatal care, and vitamins (especially folic acid) may help reduce the risk of your child being born with congenital kyphosis or other birth defect. If your family has a history of kyphosis, consult a geneticist.

How we care for kyphosis at Boston Children’s Hospital

TheSpine Divisionat Boston Children’s Hospital is the largest and busiest pediatric spine center in the United States. Our spine specialists see thousands of patients and perform hundreds of surgeries each year. We collaborate regularly with theDepartment of Neurosurgeryto provide safe, customized care for even the most complex spine problems. For children with an injury or deformity of the neck or upper spine, Boston Children’s also offers theComplex Cervical Spine Program. OurSpine and Sports Programtreats spine conditions and injuries that affect the young athlete.