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Scheuermann’s Kyphosis, Sports Medicine

David McClaskey, MD, ATC Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine

  • Scheuermann kyphosis is rigid and most commonly affects the thoracic spine.

  • Vertebrae grow unevenly with regard to the sagittal plane (posterior a...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Affected patient will present with cosmetic deformity, back pain, and hamstring tightness.

  • Thoracic kyphosis may produce pain at the thoracic spine and/or result in strain on the cervi...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Majority of cases treated with nonoperative management

  • Physical therapy:

    • Focuses on stretching and strengthening of the paraspinal and hamstring musculature as well as postural...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • A sports medicine or spine specialist should follow patients every 4 to 6 mo to monitor progression, particularly during skeletal maturation.

  • Serial imaging should...

REFERENCES

1
Etemadifar MR, Jamalaldini MH, Layeghi R. Successful brace treatment of Scheuermann’s kyphosis with different angles. J Craniovertebr Junction Spine.  2017;8(2):136–143.
2
Damborg F, En...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Palazzo C, Sailhan F, Revel M. Scheuermann’s disease: an update. Joint Bone Spine.  2014;81(3):209–214.

  • Ristolainen L, Kettunen JA, Heliövaara M, et al. Untreated Scheuermann’s ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Scheuermann kyphosis is distinguished as a rigid kyphosis that does not resolve with postural maneuvers and most commonly affects the thoracic spine.

  • The majority of cases are treated s...

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