Is It A Simple Case of Slouching or Is It Scheuermann's Disease?

Slouching, hunching forward or rounded back is often considered just poor posture.

In many cases, it is the result of a rarely recognized condition called SCHEUERMANN’S DISEASE.  Similar to Scoliosis, Scheuermann’s Disease is a structural exaggerated forward curvature in children and adolescents that can progress into adulthood.

Slouching is often mistaken for poor posture which is flexible and corrects with standing more upright.  Scheuermann’s disease is a structural abnormality that develops during adolescent growth. It causes the vertebra of the spine to be wedge-shaped and results in a slouched appearance.

The cause of this condition is unknown.  It can result in pain, progressively worsening posture, nerve or spinal cord compromise, and even concerns for heart and lung problems.

Non-surgical treatment includes physical therapy and bracing or non-rigid postural correcting athletic shirts.

In some cases, surgery is considered for persistent pain, unacceptable deformity, or neurological problems.  Robotic surgery has improved the safety and accuracy of surgery in this condition.

A. Preoperative photo of a patient with severe kyphosis (slouching) secondary to Scheuermann’s disease.

B. Preoperative x-ray of the same patient.

C. Postoperative photos of the same patient one year after surgical correction of the kyphosis. There is the correction of the round back appearance.

D. Postoperative x-ray of the same patient.

For more information about Scheuermann’s Disease:

http://www.srs.org/patients-and-families/conditions-and-treatments/parents/kyphosis/developmental-kyphosis