Congenital Kyphosis
Sometimes, while a fetus is developing in the womb, its spinal column does not develop properly. The bones may not form as they should or several vertebrae may become fused together. Either of these abnormal conditions may cause progressive kyphosis once the child grows older.
The posture of some patients with postural kyphosis may improve over time, and an exercise program may help relieve any associated back pain. However, kyphosis surgery may be recommended if the kyphotic curve exceeds 75 degrees. The goals of kyphosis surgery are: to reduce the degree of curvature by straightening and fusing the abnormal spinal segments together; to maintain the improvement over time; and to alleviate significant back discomfort, if it was present before the surgery.
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