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Review
. 2017 Aug;29(4):567-577.
doi: 10.1007/s40520-016-0617-3. Epub 2016 Aug 18.

Age-related hyperkyphosis: update of its potential causes and clinical impacts-narrative review

Tayebeh Roghani  1 , Minoo Khalkhali Zavieh  2 , Farideh Dehghan Manshadi  1 , Nicole King  3 , Wendy Katzman  3
Affiliations
Review

Age-related hyperkyphosis: update of its potential causes and clinical impacts-narrative review

Tayebeh Roghani et al. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2017 Aug.

Abstract

The present study aims to qualitatively review the contributing factors and health implications of age-related hyperkyphosis. We conducted a narrative review of observational and cohort studies describing the risk factors and epidemiology of hyperkyphosis from 1955 to 2016 using the following key words: kyphosis, hyperkyphosis, posture, age-related hyperkyphosis, kyphotic posture, aetiology and causes. This review included 77 studies. Approximately 60-70 % of the most severe hyperkyphosis cases have no evidence of underlying vertebral compression fractures. Other proposed factors contributing to hyperkyphosis are degenerative disc disease, weakness of back extensor muscles and genetic predisposition. Strength and endurance of back extensor muscles are very important for maintaining normal postural alignment. Recent evidence suggests that age-related hyperkyphosis is not equivalent to spinal osteoporosis. Due to the negative impact of hyperkyphosis on physical function, quality of life and mortality rates, physicians should focus not only on osteoporosis, but also on age-related postural changes. More research about the relationship between spinal morphology and modifiable factors, especially the structural and functional parameters of trunk muscles, could further illuminate our understanding and treatment options for hyperkyphosis.

Keywords: Ageing; Back muscles; Hyperkyphosis; Osteoporosis; Posture.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Debrunner’s kyphometer measurement of kyphosis, the arms of the device are placed over the interspace of T2 and T3 spinous processes and interspace of T11 and T12 spinous processes
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a Flexicurve measurement technique, this device is aligned over the C7 spinous process to the T12 spinous process. b The thoracic curvature is traced, and by measuring thoracic width (H) and thoracic length (I), kyphosis index is calculated (KI): (H/I) × 100
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Measurement of spinal curvature with Spinal Mouse, the device is guided along the midline of the spine from the spinous process of C7 to top of the anal crease (approximately S3)
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Postulated causes of age-related hyperkyphosis
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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