Juvenile kyphosis

Abstract

Scheuermann's disease is a common cause of kyphosis developing in the juvenile period. Untreated, the deformity may progress, producing significant pain and, rarely, neurologic signs and symptoms. Successful treatment is possible with the Milwaukee brace, provided that the child has not reached skeletal maturity. Bracing will produce a superior result in terms of correcting the deformity and reversing vertebral wedging. Surgery may occasionally be necessary for severe kyphosis, especially in the adult who presents with pain and/or neurologic problems. Combined anterior and posterior approach is the preferred surgical procedure.