Handbook for Patients

What Causes Abnormal Kyphosis?

Hyperkyphosis (roundback) is commonly used to refer to excessive curvature of the thoracic spine when viewed from the side (Fig. 5a-b). Excessive roundback deformity may simply be postural and can often be corrected with exercises and proper posture. A small percentage of patients with kyphosis may have more rigid deformities than the postural type, which are associated with wedged vertebrae. This type is called Scheuermann's kyphosis and is much more difficult to treat than postural kyphosis. Its cause is unknown. Bracing may be recommended for the immature adolescent with Scheuermann's kyphosis.

Congenital kyphosis results from errors of formation one or more bones of the spine. It is the least common cause of excessive roundback and requires evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon.

Excessive roundback may also be seen as a result of medical diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis or osteoporosis.


Figure 5a
Figure 5b
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The Scoliosis Research Society provides information on these web pages regarding research and links as a public service. The SRS believes that patients should contact their treating physician about the relevance of any information listed on the site prior to proceeding with any particular treatment. Just as no two individuals are exactly alike, no two patients with a spinal deformity are the same. Therefore, your spinal deformity surgeon will be the most important source of information about the management of your particular spinal problem.