Kyphosis

Alternative names:

roundback; Scheuermann disease

Definition:

A curving of the spine that causes a bowing of the back, usually in the upper back.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Kyphosis is the result of a disease or congenital problem. Kyphosis may occur in children, adolescents, or adults. Kyphosis occurring at birth is rare. Adolescent kyphosis, also known as Scheuermann's disease, may result from growth retardation or a disorder in the vertebrae during periods of rapid growth. Other causes of kyphosis include infection, inflammation, disk degeneration, osteoporosis of the vertebrae, endocrine diseases, arthritis, Paget's disease, polio, compression fractures of the vertebrae, cancer, tuberculosis, or poor posture. Risk factors are related to the causes.