Kyphosis is an abnormal forward curve of the upper spine. With it, children have what looks like a rounded or "hunchback" appearance. This condition is also called "dowager's hump."
Some children are born with kyphosis, but most develop it during their childhood. While some degree of front-to-back curve of the spine is normal and healthy, if a child’s spine curves forward 50 degrees or more, they should be seen by a spine specialist.
Shriners Children's physicians have treated thousands of children with kyphosis, including those with the most challenging cases. While most cases are mild, a child with kyphosis should be closely monitored by your Shriners Children's physician until they have stopped growing. Many will not require treatment. However, if the forward curve becomes severe, it could lead to pain and deformity that can compress the lungs and make breathing difficult.
If your child has severe kyphosis, they will likely need be treated with bracing and also may require surgery and halo traction. Our spine specialists perform hundreds of spine surgeries each year with the utmost care and precision.
A diagnosis of kyphosis can be stressful for the entire family. Those stressors can include fears about your child's future and insecurity about making the right decisions. Be reassured that if your child is diagnosed with kyphosis, you'll have a Shriners Children's care team to guide you. Your child’s surgeons, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and other care providers understand the concerns of children and parents navigating this journey.
We’ve seen children with kyphosis successfully progress through childhood, as they become active preschoolers, elementary school gymnasts, and teens confidently socializing with friends and succeeding in life. Here you can learn more about pediatric kyphosis and the treatment options that are available.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
Without the help of Shriners Children’s, I literally wouldn't be alive. Now I walk a lot taller and straighter. I can breathe clearly, and I have confidence in myself that I thought I'd never have.
