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Spine
intermediate
X-Type

Scheuermann's Kyphosis

Pediatric Spine

A 15-year-old boy presents with progressive thoracic kyphosis and mild back pain. His parents noticed a "round back" posture developing over the past 2 years. Examination reveals a fixed thoracic kyphosis that does not correct with hyperextension, compensatory lumbar hyperlordosis, and tight hamstrings. Standing lateral radiographs show thoracic kyphosis of 65 degrees with wedging of greater than 5 degrees in three consecutive vertebrae and Schmorl's nodes at multiple levels. Regarding Scheuermann's kyphosis:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Scheuermann's kyphosis is defined by the Sorenson criteria: thoracic kyphosis greater than 40-45 deg...

B

Radiographic features include anterior vertebral wedging, irregular endplates, Schmorl's nodes (disc...

C

Scheuermann's kyphosis is defined by kyphosis less than 30 degrees; it is the least common cause of ...

D

Clinical presentation includes cosmetic deformity (round back), thoracic or thoracolumbar pain (30-5...

E

Treatment depends on skeletal maturity, curve magnitude, and symptoms; observation for curves less t...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option