Kyphosis (Pdf)

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Kyphosis (Pdf) Kyphosis Kyphosis is a spinal deformity in the sagittal (side – on) plane. The normal shaped spine has a kyphosis in the thoracic spine and a lordosis in the lumbar and cervical spine. A lordosis is the opposite of a kyphosis. Some conditions can cause the spine to be more kyphotic than it should be whereas others can make it more lordotic (rare). Postural kyphosis is very common in patients with spinal stenosis who need to lean forward to relieve pressure on nerves in their backs. True structural kyphosis is fixed. The most common cause of structural kyphosis is spinal fracture – either low energy or high energy. Other causes include inflammation (e.g.ankylosing spondylitis), degeneration, tumours or infections. If no cause is found then the term idiopathic hyperkyphosis is used. This is sometimes referred to as Scheuermann’s disease but this is a misleading term. It is not really a disease and is a diagnosis that one makes on imaging. Unfortunately, one of the most common causes of a kyphosis in the lumbar spine (or a loss or lordosis/flat back) is surgery. Kyphosis may cause pain, problems with standing up straight and looking forward or cosmesis. Diagnosis is made by clinical examination together with xrays. MRI scan may be indicated and sometimes special xrays are needed to see if the kyphosis moves and/or how the spine adapts above and below. Physiotherapy, bracing and other non-operative measures are often of little benefit but can be tried as they are low risk. If the problem is purely cosmetic then I would not suggest any form of surgical treatment due to the small but serious risks involved. When surgery is indicated then the exact nature of this depends upon the root cause. The simplest approach is to perform isolated posterior spinal surgery although anterior surgery is often also needed. If the deformity is fixed then the spinal column needs to be divided around the nerves and reset in a different position – known as an osteotomy. Surgery is a significant undertaking for kyphosis (especially in revision surgery) and the decision making is key. Patients should be absolutely clear about the risks involved and what is hoped to be achieved. .
Recommended publications
  • An Audit of Bone Mineral Density and Associated Factors in Patients With
    Review Article Clinician’s corner Images in Medicine Experimental Research Case Report Miscellaneous Letter to Editor DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2019/39690.12544 Original Article Postgraduate Education An Audit of Bone Mineral Density and Case Series Associated Factors in Patients with Orthopaedics Section Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Short Communication ARASH RAHBAR1, RAHMATOLLAH JOKAR2, SEYED MOKHTAR ESMAEILNEJAD-GANJI3 ABSTRACT Results: Overall, 146 patients with lumbar stenosis were Introduction: Osteoporosis is a major global health problem enrolled. Based on bone densitometry of spine and femur, and is commonly observed with lumbar stenosis in older 35 (24%) and 36 (24.7%) of the patients had osteoporosis. people. It is stated that osteoporosis may cause progressive According to femoral densitometry, age (OR=1.311, 95% CI: spinal deformities and stenosis in elderly patients. 1.167-1.473), being a female (OR=3.391, 95% CI: 1.391-8.420) and being a homemaker (OR=3.675, 95% CI: 1.476-9.146) Aim: To audit prevalence of low bone mineral density and were found as risk factors for osteoporosis. Based on spinal associated factors in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. densitometry, age (OR=1.283, 95% CI: 1.154-1.427) and being Materials and Methods: Patients with symptomatic lumbar a female (OR=2.786, 95% CI: 1.106-7.019) were associated with spinal stenosis were recruited in this cross-sectional study, osteoporosis. Significant correlations were observed between who had been referred to Shahid Beheshti hospital in Babol, bone mineral density and red blood cell counts (r=+0.168, Northern Iran, between 2016 and 2017.
    [Show full text]
  • Nonoperative Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Neurogenic Claudication a Systematic Review
    SPINE Volume 37, Number 10, pp E609–E616 ©2012, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins LITERATURE REVIEW Nonoperative Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis With Neurogenic Claudication A Systematic Review Carlo Ammendolia , DC, PhD, *†‡ Kent Stuber, DC, MSc , § Linda K. de Bruin , MSc , ‡ Andrea D. Furlan, MD, PhD , ||‡¶ Carol A. Kennedy, BScPT, MSc , ‡#** Yoga Raja Rampersaud, MD , †† Ivan A. Steenstra , PhD , ‡ and Victoria Pennick, RN, BScN, MHSc ‡‡ or methylcobalamin, improve walking distance. There is very low- Study Design. Systematic review. quality evidence from a single trial that epidural steroid injections Objective. To systematically review the evidence for the improve pain, function, and quality of life up to 2 weeks compared effectiveness of nonoperative treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with home exercise or inpatient physical therapy. There is low- with neurogenic claudication. quality evidence from a single trial that exercise is of short-term Summary of Background Data. Neurogenic claudication benefi t for leg pain and function compared with no treatment. There can signifi cantly impact functional ability, quality of life, and is low- and very low-quality evidence from 6 trials that multimodal independence in the elderly. nonoperative treatment is less effective than indirect or direct Methods. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, surgical decompression with or without fusion. and ICL databases up to January 2011 for randomized controlled Conclusion. Moderate- and high-GRADE evidence for nonopera- trials published in English, in which at least 1 arm provided tive treatment is lacking and thus prohibiting recommendations to data on nonoperative treatments. Risk of bias in each study was guide clinical practice. Given the expected exponential rise in the independently assessed by 2 reviewers using 12 criteria.
    [Show full text]
  • Double Spinal Cord Injury in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis
    Spinal Cord (1999) 37, 305 ± 307 ã 1999 International Medical Society of Paraplegia All rights reserved 1362 ± 4393/99 $12.00 http://www.stockton-press.co.uk/sc Case Report Double spinal cord injury in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis MN Akman*,1 M KaratasÎ1, SÎ KilincË 1 and M AgÏ ildere1 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Radiology, BahcË elievler, Ankara, Turkey Ankylosing spondylitis patients are more prone to spinal fractures and these fractures commonly result in mobile nonunion. We report a patient with a 30-year history of ankylosing spondylitis who sustained double spinal cord injuries following minor trauma. The ®rst injury occurred at the lumbar level due to pseudoarthrosis of an old fracture, and the second at the thoracic level following cardiopulmonary arrest and an episode of hypotension. The possible mechanisms of the injuries are discussed and maintaining normal blood pressure in these patients is emphasized. Keywords: spinal cord injury; ankylosing spondylitis; spinal cord infarction; spinal fractures Introduction Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has a prevalance of 1 per diagnostic workup. His arterial blood pressure stayed 1000 in the general population and primarily involves below normal and his central venous pressure remained 1 the vertebral column. Spinal rigidity due to long- below 5 cmH2O for about 12 h. ECG, chest X-Ray standing AS renders the patient susceptible to vertebral and cranial computed tomography (CT) were normal. trauma, so that even minor trauma may cause When the patient awoke and was in a stable condition, fractures.2±9 There are only a few reports in the he could not feel or move his legs.
    [Show full text]
  • Self-Help for Spinal Stenosis Information for Patients
    Self-help for Spinal Stenosis Information for patients What is spinal stenosis? Spinal stenosis is a common condition affecting the lower back. It affects people over the age of 60 years. Spinal stenosis can result in symptoms including back pain, buttock pain and leg pain. Other symptoms include pins and needles, numbness and sometimes weakness in the legs or feet. If you have spinal stenosis you will likely experience a combination of these symptoms. What causes spinal stenosis? The spinal cord runs through a tunnel made from the bones in your back called vertebrae. This is because the bones are strong and act to protect the spinal cord. The nerves then branch out from the spinal cord and pass through smaller tunnels at the side of your spine. Sometimes the aging process leads to narrowing in parts of the lower back. This usually occurs gradually over time. The nerves and spinal cord may become tightened or squeezed as a result of this narrowing. Stenosis is the medical term for narrowing. Narrowing in the spine is very common but not everyone who has it will develop symptoms. Spinal stenosis can also occur at different levels in the spine. It is possible to get similar symptoms in your legs and feet that are not caused by spinal stenosis. Will spinal stenosis get better? It is not possible to reverse any age-related changes in the back; however it is possible to manage and improve your symptoms. Many people will experience “flare-ups” so it is important that you are confident in ways to manage your symptoms.
    [Show full text]
  • Managing Spinal Conditions in Older Persons
    JAMES ZUCHERMAN, MD JUDY SILVERMAN, MD Considering the patienfs overall medical status is crucial Managing spinal conditions in older persons ABSTRACT: Older patients who present with spinal complaints do not need to accept pain and diminished functional capacity as conse quences ofaging. Spinal stenosis results from the natural progression ofdegenerative changes in the spine. Thoracolumbar compression fractures usually are caused by trauma but also are common in pa tients who have osteoporosis. Mobility testing can help identif]^ un derlying pathology and deinse an exercise program. It is important to screenfor other causes ofpain, such as hip pathology. Radiography, MRI, and CTare useful imaging studies. The presence ofcauda equina syndrome requires urgent imaging and, usually, surgery. In This is the seventh in a special se some cases, a short course ofphysical therapy can reverse symptoms. ries ofarticles on the evaluation Lumbar or thoracic osteoporoticfracture treatmentfocuses on and management ofback pain. symptom management. (J Musculoskel Med. 2005;22:214-222) The percentage of the US popula the most common severe condi healthful living habits. Judicious ' tion older than 65 years has been tions in older persons. Consider use of exercise, proper body me increasing during the past centu ing a patient's overall medical sta chanics, medications, and surgery , ry and is peaking as baby boomers tus is crucial in management of can result in improvement in func- ; reach older age, Many older per these problems, because comor- tion and quality of Hfe. In this ar- | sons have aches, pains, and dimin bidities can affect treatment op tide, we describe the diagnosis ished functional capacity but do tions and outcomes.
    [Show full text]
  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy
    Y Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy | NASS Clinical Guidelines 1 G Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines for Multidisciplinary ETHODOLO Spine Care M NE I DEL I U /G ON Diagnosis and Treatment of I NTRODUCT Lumbar Disc I Herniation with Radiculopathy NASS Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines Committee D. Scott Kreiner, MD Paul Dougherty, II, DC Committee Chair, Natural History Chair Robert Fernand, MD Gary Ghiselli, MD Steven Hwang, MD Amgad S. Hanna, MD Diagnosis/Imaging Chair Tim Lamer, MD Anthony J. Lisi, DC John Easa, MD Daniel J. Mazanec, MD Medical/Interventional Treatment Chair Richard J. Meagher, MD Robert C. Nucci, MD Daniel K .Resnick, MD Rakesh D. Patel, MD Surgical Treatment Chair Jonathan N. Sembrano, MD Anil K. Sharma, MD Jamie Baisden, MD Jeffrey T. Summers, MD Shay Bess, MD Christopher K. Taleghani, MD Charles H. Cho, MD, MBA William L. Tontz, Jr., MD Michael J. DePalma, MD John F. Toton, MD This clinical guideline should not be construed as including all proper methods of care or excluding or other acceptable methods of care reason- ably directed to obtaining the same results. The ultimate judgment regarding any specific procedure or treatment is to be made by the physi- cian and patient in light of all circumstances presented by the patient and the needs and resources particular to the locality or institution. I NTRODUCT 2 Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy | NASS Clinical Guidelines I ON Financial Statement This clinical guideline was developed and funded in its entirety by the North American Spine Society (NASS). All participating /G authors have disclosed potential conflicts of interest consistent with NASS’ disclosure policy.
    [Show full text]
  • Magnitude Degenerative Lumbar Curves: Natural History and Literature Review
    An Original Study Risk of Progression in De Novo Low- Magnitude Degenerative Lumbar Curves: Natural History and Literature Review Kingsley R. Chin, MD, Christopher Furey, MD, and Henry H. Bohlman, MD disabling pain and progressive deformity, surgery might be Abstract needed to relieve symptoms.1,3,8,9,12,14,15,19-23,27,30 However, Natural history studies have focused on risk for progres- the decision to perform surgery is often complicated by sion in lumbar curves of more than 30°, while smaller advanced age and variable life expectancy, osteoporosis, and curves have little data for guiding treatment. We studied multiple medical comorbidities that commonly characterize curve progression in de novo degenerative scoliotic this patient population. Complications after surgery range curves of no more than 30°. from 20% to 40% in most series.1,3,8,9,12,14,15,19,21,23,27,30 Radiographs of 24 patients (17 women, 7 men; mean age, 68.2 years) followed for up to 14.3 years (mean, There is lack of consensus for surgical management 4.85 years) were reviewed. Risk factors studied for curve of lumbar degenerative scoliosis because of the hetero- progression included lumbar lordosis, lateral listhesis of geneous nature of the disorder and the afflicted patient more than 5 mm, sex, age, convexity direction, and posi- population, the multiple surgical options, and the lack tion of intercrestal line. Curves averaged 14° at presentation and 22° at latest follow-up and progressed a mean of 2° (SD, 1°) per year. Mean progression was 2.5° per year for patients older “Natural history studies than 69 years and 1.5° per year for younger patients.
    [Show full text]
  • Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis with Stenosis Successfully Treated with Cox Distraction Manipulation
    Cox® Technic Case Report #92 (sent February 2011 2/8/11 ) 1 Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis with Stenosis Successfully Treated with Cox Distraction Manipulation Presented By Robert E. Patterson Jr., D.C. Overland Chiropractic Health Services PA Overland Park, Kansas (913) 345‐9247 [email protected] Submitted 1/7/2011 Introduction: This case is a 63 year old, white female who was first seen on January 27, 2009. She presented with a chief complaint of low back and left leg pain. She rated her pain as 9/10. She described the pain as being sharp in nature as well as aching and burning to the knee. She was in constant pain. Her symptoms were better with sitting, stretching, bending, and rest. Standing and walking increased her pain. She was generally worse in the mornings. Pain interfered with work, sleep, leisure and her mental attitude. History: History revealed that she had previous low back surgery in 1992 for stenosis. She had done well following that surgery. In May of 2008 she suffered a heart attack and received two stents. In June 2008, she had a pacemaker implanted. It was not until after the heart attack that her leg pain recurred. She had an appendectomy in 1965. Medications and supplements for her heart included Plavix, Zocor, Toprol, aspirin, fish oil and CoQ10. She takes Allegra for allergies and Nexium for her stomach. She has a long history of acid reflux. Her first ulcer was found while she was in high school. She is borderline diabetic but is trying to control it with diet.
    [Show full text]
  • Spinal Stenosis.Pdf
    Spinal Stenosis Overview Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of your spinal canal and nerve root canal along with the enlargement of your facet joints. Most commonly it is caused by osteoarthritis and your body's natural aging process, but it can also develop from injury or previous surgery. As the spinal canal narrows, there is less room for your nerves to branch out and move freely. As a result, they may become swollen and inflamed, which can cause pain, cramping, numbness or weakness in your legs, back, neck, or arms. Mild to moderate symptoms can be relieved with medications, physical therapy and spinal injections. Severe symptoms may require surgery. Anatomy of the spinal canal To understand spinal stenosis, it is helpful to understand how your spine works. Your spine is made of 24 moveable bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are separated by discs, which act as shock absorbers preventing the vertebrae from rubbing together. Down the middle of each vertebra is a hollow space called the spinal canal that contains the spinal cord, spinal nerves, ligaments, fat, and blood vessels. Spinal nerves exit the spinal canal through the intervertebral foramen (also called the nerve root canal) to branch out to your body. Both the spinal and nerve root canals are surrounded by bone and ligaments. Bony changes can narrow the canals and restrict the spinal cord or nerves (see Anatomy of the Spine). What is spinal stenosis? Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition that happens gradually over time and refers to: • narrowing of the spinal and nerve root canals • enlargement of the facet joints • stiffening of the ligaments • overgrowth of bone and bone spurs (Figure 1) Figure 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Nonsurgical Treatments Have Not Worked Well Enough, Surgery Might Be Able to Help You
    PATIENT INFORMATION How well does surgery work? Research shows that: ■ Surgery may work better than nonsurgical treatments to relieve pain and help you move better. If Lumbar Spinal Stenosis nonsurgical treatments have not worked well enough, surgery might be able to help you. 1 A MaineHealth Member ■ By three months, people who had surgery notice more improvement in their symptoms and can be more active than people who did not have surgery. This difference continues for at least four years after 2 surgery. What is lumbar spinal stenosis? ■ The benefits of surgery appear to last for many years. After eight to ten years: Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, known as the ■ People treated with surgery were as satisfied as those treated without surgery. lumbar area. ■ People who had surgery were generally able to be more active and had less leg pain than those who had nonsurgical treatment. 3 This usually happens when bone or tissue—or both—grow in the openings in the spinal bones. This growth can squeeze and irritate nerves that branch out from the spinal cord. ■ Surgery appears to be more effective for leg pain than for back pain, but it may help both. 4 FIGURE 1 The result can be pain, numbness, or weakness, most often in the legs, feet, and buttocks. What is the surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis? Figure 3 Lumbar Laminectomy The purpose of surgery to treat spinal stenosis is to relieve Figure 1 Spinal Stenosis pressure on the spinal nerve roots. The main type of surgery for spinal stenosis is decompressive laminectomy.
    [Show full text]
  • Cervical Spondylosis, Stenosis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis
    Cervical Spondylosis, Stenosis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis Matthew McDonnell, MD, and Phillip Lucas, MD CERVI ca L SPONYLOSIS /STENOSIS The uncovertebral joints hypertrophy, Clinical Presentations Cervical spondylosis is common and which may lead to foraminal stenosis. The Axial Neck Pain progresses with increasing age. It is the posterior zygoapophyseal joints can also Neck pain is an extremely common result of degenerative changes in the cer- become arthritic, causing foraminal nar- but nonspecific presenting symptom. vical spine, including disc degeneration, rowing. The ligamentum flavum thickens It is often associated with stiffness and facet arthropathy, osteophyte formation, and sometimes buckles as a result of the headaches. The pain or soreness is usu- ligamentous thickening and loss of cervi- loss of disk height. These degenerative ally in the paramedian neck muscles cal lordosis. Spinal stenosis, or narrowing changes can result in cervical stenosis with posteriorly, with radiation toward the of the spinal canal, may occur as a result spinal cord compression. Concomitant occiput or into the shoulder, arm and of progression of spondylotic changes. straightening of cervical lordosis (or even periscapular regions. The referred pain Spinal cord or nerve root function may kyphosis), disk herniations or protru- does not follow a dermatomal distribu- be affected, resulting in symptoms of sions often may accentuate the problem tion. Deep palpation of some of these myelopathy or radiculopathy. because the spinal cord will be stretched areas results in reproducible patterns of over the posterior aspect of the disks and referred pain. Determining the source Natural History and Epidemiology vertebral bodies. of neck pain can be a diagnostic chal- Spinal cord compression resulting Cervical spondylosis will typically lenge.
    [Show full text]
  • Spinal Stenosis and Neurogenic Claudication
    Spinal Stenosis and Neurogenic Claudication What is spinal stenosis? Spinal stenosis (or narrowing) is a common condition that occurs when the small spinal canal that contains the nerve roots and spinal cord becomes restricted. This narrowing can squeeze the nerves and the spinal cord causing lower back and leg pain. In general, spinal narrowing is caused by osteoarthritis, or ‘wear and tear’ arthritis, of the spinal column. This results in a ‘pinching’ of the spinal cord and / or nerve roots. The picture opposite shows how spinal stenosis narrowing of the spinal canal, not all patients compresses the spinal nerves with narrowing develop symptoms of neurogenic claudication. Why some patients develop What is neurogenic claudication? symptoms and others do not remains unknown. Neurogenic claudication is a term used to describe the leg pain and symptoms during walking which How is the condition treated? are associated with the condition of lumbar Although there is no cure for spinal stenosis, spinal stenosis. People suffering from neurogenic various therapies are available, one of the most claudication have trouble walking any significant important being exercise. Keeping the hip and leg distance, and frequently must sit down or lean muscles from getting weaker helps increase stability over forward to relieve symptoms. While there and the ability to walk. Postural correction during are no cures, there are many therapies available. standing and walking can also aid in pain relief. Medication may be helpful for pain relief. Why does it happen? Spinal injections or surgery may be used as a last In a small number of cases a person may be born resort as outcomes are often no better than self with a small spinal canal (congenital stenosis).
    [Show full text]