Kyphosis

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Bones of the spine

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing or rounding of the back, which leads to a hunchback or slouching posture.

Scheuermann's disease; Roundback; Hunchback; Postural kyphosis

Kyphosis can occur at any age, although it is rare at birth.

Adolescent kyphosis, also known as Scheuermann's disease, is caused by the wedging together of several bones of the spine (vertebrae) in a row. The cause of Scheuermann's disease is unknown.

In adults, kyphosis can be caused by:

• Degenerative diseases of the spine (such as arthritis or disk degeneration)
• Fractures caused by osteoporosis (osteoporotic compression fractures)
• Injury (trauma)
• Slipping of one vertebra forward on another (spondylolisthesis)

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Other causes of kyphosis include:

• Certain endocrine diseases
• Connective tissue disorders
• Infection (such as tuberculosis)
• Muscular dystrophy
• Neurofibromatosis
• Paget's disease
• Polio
• Spina bifida
• Tumors

Kyphosis can also be seen with scoliosis. Each cause has its own risk factors.

Review Date: 07/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).