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For the latest cutting-edge research, innovative collaborations and remarkable discoveries in child health, read stories from across all our areas of study in Q: Advances and Answers in Pediatric Health.
Spine Program
Kyphosis
Kids aren’t just mini adults. In fact, they’re incredibly different. That’s why they need incredibly different care.
What is kyphosis in kids?
Kyphosis is a rounding of the back when viewed from the side. Every spine has kyphosis or curvature that usually helps maintain a normal standing spinal balance.
Spines with kyphosis greater than 40 to 50 degrees can give a “hunchback” appearance. In some cases, this can cause back pain or unhappiness with appearance.
Three general categories of kyphosis affect kids:
- Postural kyphosis is the most common form, and most people simply call it slouching. It is more common in boys during adolescence. With postural kyphosis, the spine doesn’t have a structural deformity. The spine has normal flexibility and doesn’t typically cause pain in childhood or problems in adulthood.
- Scheuermann’s kyphosis is caused by growth disorders and disc degeneration in the spine. The vertebrae (small bones) in the upper back become wedge-shaped, which leads to excessive kyphosis. Scheuermann’s kyphosis usually becomes noticeable in the teen years and may worsen as your child grows. Some children develop back pain, and many kids with this condition are unhappy with how their body looks.
- Congenital kyphosis develops while a baby is growing in the womb. It is caused by defects in the development of the spine. The bones of the spine may not form normally, or they may fuse together. Congenital kyphosis may worsen as the child gets older.
Who gets kyphosis?
Kyphosis is generally more common in teenage boys. Some children can develop kyphosis in the womb, but most cases develop during adolescence.
What are signs and symptoms of kyphosis in kids?
Children with kyphosis often appear to have a “hunchback” and poor posture. Some patients with this condition experience back pain or unhappiness with the appearance of their back.
What tests are used to diagnose kyphosis in kids?
Kyphosis is usually discovered by a child’s primary care doctor during a routine physical exam. Sometimes a parent or family member may notice that the child’s back is getting rounder and think it’s because of poor posture.
If your child’s doctor finds an increased kyphotic curve, they may refer your child to the Spine Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado. A pediatric orthopedic specialist evaluates your child and orders X-rays.
These X-rays show the doctor the degree of the kyphosis and whether the curve is normal or not. They also show any other problems in the spine.
After examining your child’s spine, we’ll know whether the curve is due to poor posture or a problem with the vertebrae (known as congenital or Scheuermann’s kyphosis).
How is kyphosis in kids treated?
Treatment depends on the type of kyphosis your child has.
- For postural kyphosis, treatment is usually conservative. We work with your child to improve posture through physical therapy, stretching and core fitness activities.
- Children with Scheuermann’s kyphosis are also usually treated conservatively with exercises to enhance posture. Surgery may be needed for curves that are larger or getting more advanced.
- Children with congenital kyphosis may need surgery to help maintain a more normal spine as they grow.
Your child’s orthopedic specialist at the Spine Program will determine the type of kyphosis and the appropriate treatment option.
Why choose us for the treatment of kyphosis?
The Spine Program at Children’s Colorado is among the most knowledgeable pediatric spine care teams in the country. Our experienced team cares for infants, children, adolescents and young adults. We diagnose and treat all types of spinal conditions and injuries, from kyphosis to complex neuromuscular disease and trauma.
Our goal is to always provide the safest, most effective care, often beginning with non-surgical options. If your child needs surgery, we offer innovative approaches from surgeons who perform more than 200 pediatric spine procedures each year.
Helpful resources
The Scoliosis Research Society is an international society that is committed to research and education in the field of spinal deformities. Their mission is to foster the optimal care of all patients with spinal deformities.
- OrthoKids provides educational content on pediatric orthopaedic topics for patients and parents. Members from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, such as surgeons, physicians and allied health members, write and review all the content on the website.
- OrthoInfo is the patient education website of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. It includes information about orthopaedic conditions and treatments, injury prevention, rehabilitation and healthy living.
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