Kümmell's disease: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Study design: A case report and literature review of Kümmell's disease.

Objective: To describe a case that meets modern criteria for Kümmell's disease and discuss the literature on this.

Summary of background data: Over 100 years ago, Hermann Kümmell described a condition in which patients sustained a "trivial" trauma, had an essentially asymptomatic period lasting weeks to months, then developed a painful, progressive angular kyphosis. Only with the advent of radiograph technology, and the radiographic demonstration of delayed vertebral body collapse, was this concept felt to be valid. There has been a renewed interest in this as a diagnostic entity.

Methods: A patient is presented who developed worsening midback pain weeks after a minor fall. He subsequently was found to have T9, and T10 destructive vertebral body lesions.

Results: Only after an extensive workup, including 3 biopsies of the affected area was the diagnosis of Kümmell's disease considered and surgical treatment performed. CONCLUSION.: Delayed vertebral body collapse, i.e., Kümmell's disease, needs to be considered in any patient with recurrent or worsening spinal symptoms. Under-recognition of this condition leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment.