Medical expert of the article
New publications
Kyphosis
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine in the sagittal plane with a posterior convexity.
ICD-10 code
M40. Kyphosis and lordosis.
Congenital kyphosis
Congenital kyphosis is a consequence of an additional wedge-shaped vertebra, synostosis of two vertebrae, or underdevelopment of the anterior part of the vertebral bodies in the thoracic or upper lumbar spine.
[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ]
Symptoms and diagnosis
Congenital kyphosis is extremely rare, the typical localization is the thoracic and upper lumbar spine. The deformation is detected early - in the first half of life, as soon as the child begins to sit. As the child grows, the deformation increases significantly, proceeding painlessly and without neurological symptoms. By puberty, it reaches a pronounced degree. The child's growth is delayed.
Treatment
If deformation is detected, a plaster bed, massage of the back muscles, and corrective gymnastics are used. The tendency for deformation to progress is an indication for surgical fixation of the spine.
Acquired kyphosis
Acquired kyphosis can be the result of rickets, tuberculous spondylitis, osteochondropathy, compression fractures of the vertebral bodies.
[ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ], [ 9 ], [ 10 ]
Rickety kyphosis
Rickety kyphosis is probably a consequence of general muscle hypotonia in severe rickets. It develops quickly as soon as the child begins to sit.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Rachitic kyphosis is characterized by uniform curvature of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine to the rear, but a more acutely protruding angle may also form. The deformation is noticeably reduced if the child is placed on his stomach, or is eliminated completely if the child's legs and pelvis are raised. This examination does not eliminate deformations caused by congenital kyphosis or tuberculous spondylitis.
For a correct diagnosis, it is sufficient to evaluate other skeletal changes: the presence of craniotabes, “rickets beads”, thickening of the epiphyses of the limbs and clinical signs typical of rickets.
Treatment
Complex treatment of rickets is necessary. Unfixed rickets kyphosis is eliminated if the child is placed on a flat hard mattress, not allowed to sit. The supine position is alternated with the prone position. The child is fixed to the bed with a special bra to keep it in a horizontal position. In case of fixed pronounced kyphosis, it is recommended to put the child in a plaster crib with cross-folded bolsters to eliminate the deformation. The plaster crib is changed after 1.5-2 months as the kyphosis is eliminated. At the same time, massage is prescribed to strengthen the muscles of the back, abdomen, and limbs. In most cases, with the cure of rickets, kyphosis disappears. Extremely rarely, despite complex anti-rachitic treatment, the deformation in the form of kyphoscoliosis remains for life.