Kyphosis
Definition
Kyphosis is a curving of the spine that causes a bowing of the back, which leads to a hunchback or slouching posture.
Alternative Names
Scheuermann's disease; Roundback; Hunchback; Postural kyphosisCauses
Kyphosis is a spinal deformity that can result from trauma, developmental problems, or degenerative disease. Kyphosis can occur at any age, although it is rare at birth.
Adolescent kyphosis, also known as Scheuermann's disease, results from the wedging together of several consecutive vertebrae (bones of the spine). The cause of Scheuermann's disease is unknown.
In adults, kyphosis can be a result of osteoporotic compression fractures (fractures caused by osteoporosis), degenerative disease (such as arthritis), or spondylolisthesis (slipping of one vertebra forward on another).
Other causes of kyphosis include the following:
- Infection (such as tuberculosis)
- Neurofibromatosis
- Connective tissue disorders
- Muscular dystrophy
- Spina bifida (a birth defect involving incomplete formation of part of the spine)
- Disk degeneration
- Certain endocrine diseases
- Paget's disease
- Polio
- Tumors
Kyphosis can also be seen in association with scoliosis (an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine seen in children and adolescents). Risk factors are related to the causes.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.