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Scheuermann's Disease


Overview of Scheuermann's Disease

overview

Scheuermann's disease is the most common cause of kyphosis in adolescents. It can occur in the thoracic spine or at the junction of the thoracic and lumbar spine. The various data suggest somewhere between .4 and .8% of the population is affected. There is often a strong family tendency to develop this disorder. It usually begins shortly after puberty. Due to the kyphosis, or forward deformity of the spine, there is often hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine. This hyperextension of the lumbar spine attempts to compensate for the area bent forward by Scheuermann's disease. Pain is more common when the disorder affects the part of the spine between the thoracic and lumbar region. About one third of people with this disorder will have scoliosis, or a sideward curvature of the spine.

Causes of Scheuermann's Disease

causes

The cause is unknown. It has been thought that herniation of the disc through the endplate into the adjacent vertebral body may play a role. In addition, juvenile osteoporosis and trauma have been mentioned as possible contributing factors.

Signs and Symptoms of Scheuermann's Disease

signs and symptoms

The symptoms are mainly kyphosis, or forward angulation of the spine. To compensate for this, people hyperextend their low back. Pain may occur in the affected area or in the low back. There may be a history of recent trauma that seems to have precipitated the symptoms. sideward curvature of the spine may be present which produces elevation of one shoulder or prominence of the rib cage on one side.



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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008

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