Understanding Congenital Kyphosis: Types and Their Impact

• Written by Yash

  Reviewed by Ritika Malik

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What is Spinal Deformity?

Spinal deformity refers to an abnormal curvature or alignment of the spine. It occurs when your spine varies by more than 10 degrees from healthy curvature. In a healthy spine, there are natural curves that help balance the body and absorb shock. Minor spinal deformities may only require monitoring of the condition.

The spine is naturally curved in specific ways to support posture, movement and balance. However, in spinal deformities, these curves become exaggerated or develop in the wrong direction, affecting not only appearance but also function, including pain, nerve problems, or even breathing difficulty in severe cases.

Types of Spinal Deformity

Spinal deformities are categorised into various types, such as:

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal side-to-side curvature of your spine. Your spine naturally has a slight forward and backwards curve. With scoliosis, your spine curves to the left and right into a C or S shape. This differs from your body’s natural front-to-back curve.

Lordosis

Lordosis is the medical definition for the forward curved spine in your neck or lower back. This type develops if your spine curves too much and pushes your posture out of its usual alignment. This condition is often referred to as a swayback due to a noticeable arch in the lower back, causing the stomach and buttocks to stick out more than usual.

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is an excessive forward curve of your spine. This causes your upper back, around the thoracic region, to bend forward. This condition can cause you to lean forward like you’re hunching over. People sometimes call it a hunchback or a roundback. It might cause back pain and stiff muscles.

Types of kyphosis

Kyphosis can be classified into different types based on its cause and effects. Understanding these types is essential for proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

• Postural kyphosis: This is the most common type of kyphosis. It usually happens during your teenage years. Slouching or poor posture stretches the ligaments and muscles holding your vertebrae in place. Stretching pulls your vertebrae out of their normal position, causing a rounded shape in your spine. It affects more girls than boys. It doesn’t usually cause pain.
• Scheuerman’s kyphosis: Scheuermann kyphosis, also known as Scheuermann disease, juvenile kyphosis, or juvenile discogenic disease, is a condition of hyperkyphosis that involves the vertebral bodies and discs of the spine, identified by anterior wedging of greater than or equal to 5 degrees in 3 or more adjacent vertebral bodies. The thoracic spine is most commonly involved, although involvement can include the lumbar region as well.
• Congenital kyphosis: Congenital means a condition present at birth. Congenital kyphosis occurs when your spine doesn’t properly develop or grow completely in the uterus. It can worsen as you age. Surgery can correct the spine curvature during childhood to prevent it from worsening. 
• Cervical kyphosis: This type occurs when your cervical spine, or the part of your spine at the bottom of your head to your upper back, curves toward your front instead of its natural curve to your back. Instead of the usual gentle inward curve, the neck curves outward, creating a hunched or C shape.
• Hyperkyphosis: Hyperkyphosis is a severe forward curvature of the spine. The curve measures more than 50 degrees. This type is common after age 40. This appearance, often called a dowager’s hump when seen in older adults.

Congenital Kyphosis Symptoms

The symptoms can vary based on the severity of the curvature and whether there is spinal cord involvement. A comprehensive overview of the symptoms includes:

Physical Deformities

• Visible Hump: A pronounced, rounded hump on the upper back, often noticeable when the child is bending forward.
• Postural Changes: The head may appear to bend forward compared to the rest of the body, and there can be a difference in shoulder height or shoulder blade position.

Spinal Stiffness and Reduced Flexibility

• Limited Range of Motion: Stiffness in the spine can restrict movement, making it challenging for the child to perform certain activities that require spinal flexibility.
• Tight Hamstrings: Muscles in the back of the thigh may become tight, further limiting mobility.

Pain and Discomfort

• Back Pain: Some children may experience back pain, which can be constant but does not typically worsen over time unless the condition progresses.
• Muscle Fatigue: Day-to-day activities may feel more taxing, leading to muscle fatigue, especially in the back and legs.

Neurological Symptoms

• Spinal Cord Compression: In severe cases, the abnormal curvature can compress the spinal cord, leading to:
  • Difficulty Walking: Challenges with balance and coordination may arise.
  • Leg Pain or Weakness: Pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs can occur.

Respiratory Issues

• Breathing Difficulties: Significant spinal deformities can impact lung function due to reduced thoracic space, causing shortness of breath or decreased exercise tolerance.

Fatigue

• General Fatigue: Children with congenital kyphosis may tire more easily during physical activities due to the extra effort required to maintain posture and balance.

It’s important to note that the presence and severity of these symptoms can vary widely among individuals with congenital kyphosis. Early detection and regular monitoring are crucial to managing the condition effectively and preventing potential complications. If any of these symptoms are observed, especially neurological signs or respiratory difficulties, prompt medical evaluation is essential.

Congenital Kyphosis Causes

Understanding the underlying causes is essential for early diagnosis and intervention, which can help manage the progression of congenital kyphosis and improve outcomes for affected individuals. A detailed understanding of its causes includes:

• Failure of Vertebral Formation
• Failure of Vertebral Segmentation
• Genetic and Environmental Factors
• Associated Syndromes and Conditions
• Timing of Developmental Errors

How is Congenital Kyphosis Diagnosed ?

Early detection is crucial for effective management. Diagnosing congenital kyphosis involves a comprehensive approach to accurately assess the spinal deformity and its impact on the patient’s health. Additionally, the diagnostic process typically includes:

• Medical History and Physical Examination
• Imaging Studies
• Neurological Assessment
• Additional Evaluations

Early and accurate diagnosis of congenital kyphosis is vital for effective management and to prevent potential complications. A multidisciplinary approach, often involving orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists, and radiologists, ensures a thorough evaluation and the development of an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs.

>> Also Read: Does Health Insurance Cover Spinal Fusion?

Treatment of Congenital Kyphosis 

Treatment of kyphosis depends on its types, severity and symptoms a person is experiencing. Here are some of the treatment options that any health expert might involve to treat the condition:

• Physical therapy: Exercises can strengthen abdominal and back muscles to relieve pain and improve posture
• Pain medication: Anti-inflammatory medications help in relieving back pain.
• Back brace: Your provider may recommend that you wear a brace. It’s most common when children who are still growing have Scheuermann’s kyphosis. But it is not often effective in congenital kyphosis.
• Surgery: A surgical procedure can reduce spine curvature. The most common kyphosis surgery is spinal fusion surgery. During this procedure, your surgeon lines up your vertebrae in a straighter position. Treating congenital kyphosis especially when surgery is involved can be both medically and financially demanding. A Health insurance plan can provide critical support.

Conclusion

Recognising types of back deformities early can help prevent long-term pain and complications. Whether it’s postural kyphosis or congenital kyphosis in adults, knowing the signs and treatments makes all the difference. Congenital kyphosis is a spinal condition present from birth that, if left untreated, can progress and impact a child’s overall health and quality of life.

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