Scheuermann's Kyphosis

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our team of spine specialists is skilled at addressing the complexities of care for adolescents with Scheuermann’s kyphosis – the forward rounding of the back – whether it’s providing customized back braces, spine rehabilitation therapy, or surgery.

At the Spine Center, we offer our patients the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies and techniques, including specialized spine imaging.

About Scheuermann’s Kyphosis

Scheuermann's disease is a form of kyphosis – a type of front-to- back curvature of the spine – found only in adolescents. The curvature results when several vertebrae get wedged together, usually for unknown reasons. The curvature can lead to a hunchback or slouching posture. Many people have no symptoms besides the curved spine, but some experience pain and stiffness.

Diagnosis of Scheuermann’s Kyphosis

If we suspect a patient has Scheuermann’s kyphosis, we’ll conduct a physical examination and measure the curve of the spine. Spine imaging studies typically used to diagnose Scheuermann’s kyphosis include:

• Bone scans
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  
• Myelography
  
• Nerve conduction studies to measure electrical activity generated by muscles and nerves
• X-rays
  

Treatment

After diagnosis, we make sure a patient sees the right experts to treat his or her specific symptoms. Treatment for Scheuermann's kyphosis depends on the severity and location of the curve in the spine, its cause, and whether the patient is still growing.

Some people with Scheuermann's kyphosis don’t require treatment. When treatment is needed, it can include:

• Anti-inflammation drugs
  
• Biofeedback
  
• Cortisone injections
  
• Physical therapy
  
• Surgery
  

Research and Clinical Trials

UT Southwestern conducts clinical trials aimed at improving the treatment of spinal diseases such as Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Talk with our doctors to see if a clinical trial is available.