Kyphoscoliosis, medically termed kyphosis, involves the forward rounding of the upper back, according to MayoClinic.com. The rounding is typically extreme, occurring at greater than 50 degrees. MedlinePlus states the curvature of the spine causes a bowing of the back, which leads to a hunchback or slouching posture. MayoClinic.com states mild kyphosis cases usually involve minor problems; however, severe cases can affect the lungs, nerves and other tissues and organs.
Mechanism and Causes
Kyphosis occurs in the thoracic portion, or the middle aspect, of the spinal column. The thoracic part of the spine consists of 12 vertebrae, all of which have forward rounding due to kyphosis.
MedlinePlus states the spinal deformity can be caused by different factors, such as degenerative disease, developmental problems or trauma. However, the exact cause of development depends on its type. There are three types of kyphosis; postural, Scheuermann's and congenital.
Postural Kyphosis
Postural kyphosis, the most common type of kyphosis, develops slow and usually becomes apparent in adolescence, according to The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Postural kyphosis is often attributed to slouching. In fact, researchers believe slouching causes stretching of the spinal ligaments, resulting in abnormal formation of the bones of the spine, according to MayoClinic.com. Postural kyphosis is commonly accompanied by an exaggerated inward curve, or hyperlordosis in the lower aspect of the spine. MayoClinic.com states that hyperlordosis usually forms to compensate for the exaggerated outward curve of the upper spine from kyphosis.
Scheuermann's Kyphosis
Scheuermann's kyphosis commonly appears in adolescence, between the ages of 10 and 15, when the bones are still growing, according to MayoClinic.com. Scheuermann's kyphosis deforms the vertebrae, making them appear wedge-shaped instead of rectangular-shaped. Unlike postural kyphosis, Scheuermann's kyphosis causes a more severe deformity of the spine, because it can occur in the thoracic as well as the lumbar, or the lower region, of the spine, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Congenital Kyphosis
A malformation of the spinal column can occur in some infants during fetal development, resulting congenital kyphosis, according to MayoClinic.com. During congenital kyphosis, the vertebrae fuse together or the bones do not form properly. Congenital kyphosis worsens as the child grows, and in some cases, surgical treatment may be needed at a very young age to create more of a normal spine, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Untreated congenital kyphosis may eventually lead to paralysis of the lower body.
Complications
The spinal deformity kyphosis causes can result in a lump or hump on a person's back, which can worsen and become more prominent over time, according to MayoClinic.com. Some people may develop back pain from the misalignment of the spine, which can range from mild to severe. In extreme forward rounding cases, the curve may cause the rib cage to press against the lungs, inhibiting the person's ability to breathe, according to MayoClinic.com. In rare cases, excessive spinal pressure can cause weakness or paralysis.
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