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  4. Pediatric and Adolescent Orthopedic Surgery
  5. Overview
  6. Pediatric Spine Patient Education Overview
  7. Kyphosis

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that occurs when the bones of the spine grow abnormally and result in a curve like the one you see to the right.  This can also cause a hump or what is called a gibbus on the back.

What are the symptoms?

  • Round back appearance
  • Mild back pain
  • Tenderness and stiffness in the spine
  • Stretch marks over the area of curvature
  • Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
  • Fatigue

What causes kyphosis?

  • Metabolic disorders
  • Neuromuscular conditions
  • Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease)
  • Spina Bifida
  • Scheuermann’s Kyphosis - has no known cause
  • Postural Kyphosis - common in teen years, associated with slouching

How is it diagnosed?

  • X-rays
  • Physical Exam
  • Patient history and symptoms

More Information

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