ehealthyland.com

Most patients visit a doctor with this disorder when they become aware of a convex curve to their back. Some patients may also see a doctor due to back pain, especially those adolescents who have a thoracolumbar kyphosis.

In addition to the convex curve in the thoracic spine, some patients develop what is called a compensatory curve in the lumbar spine.

Your doctor will employ several diagnostic methods to accurately diagnose your condition.

A physical exam will help to visually identify a curve. A forward bending test will be used to determine if a thoracolumbar curve exists. In addition, the doctor will look for tightness of the hamstrings and tenderness with some of the spinal muscles, both of which are common symptoms of Scheuermann’s kyphosis.

At least two specific x-rays will be done. The first is a standing, lateral (sideways) x-ray, and the second is standing x-ray from the front. These are used to identify the curves in the sagittal plane (side view), and to determine if a curve exists in the frontal plane as well.

In addition to x-rays, your doctor is likely to order an MRI to provide further imaging detail of the spine.

Particular attention will also be given to the radius of your curve. If the radius is relatively large, it indicates that the curve is smooth. A smaller radius indicates that the curve is sharp and angular. Curves that are more angular are more likely to progress.

Once the deformity is noticed by the patient, the treating specialist will ascertain the history to define the cause. A clinical examination will include the forward bend test which exaggerates the chest wall prominence around the shoulder blades.The diagnosis is confirmed on a full-length X-ray taken both from behind and the side while standing. Further views in flexed or extended positions may be needed to determine the flexibility of the curve. MRI and CT scans may assist in determining the underlying cause.

kyphosis Medical Tests and Diagnosis:

1.Pulmonary function tests:Your doctor may also use breathing tests to assess any breathing difficulty caused by the kyphosis.

2.Spinal imaging tests:Your doctor may take an X-ray to confirm the kyphosis, determine the degree of curvature and detect any deformity of the vertebrae, which helps identify the type of kyphosis. For example, the appearance of wedge-shaped vertebrae or other features on X-ray differentiates between postural kyphosis and Scheuermann kyphosis. In older adults, X-rays may show arthritic changes in the spine, which can contribute to an increase in pain. If your doctor suspects a tumor or infection, he or she may request an MRI of your spine.

3.Neurological functions test:Although neurological changes accompanying kyphosis are rare, your doctor may check for them by looking for weakness, changes in sensation or paralysis below the site of the kyphosis.

4.Forward bend test:Your doctor asks you to bend forward from the waist while he or she views the spine from the side. With kyphosis, the rounding of the upper back may become more obvious in this position. In postural kyphosis, the deformity corrects itself when you lie on your back.

Physical examination by a health care provider confirms the abnormal curvature of the spine. The doctor will also look for any neurologic changes (weakness, paralysis, or changes in sensation) below the level of the curve. A spine X-ray will be done to document the severity of the curve and allow serial measurements to be performed. Occasionally, pulmonary function tests may be used to assess whether the kyphosis is affecting breathing. If there is any question of a tumor, infection, or neurologic symptoms, then an MRI may be ordered. Early detection of kyphosis is important for successful treatment. Pediatricians or family physicians, and even some school programs, routinely look for signs that kyphosis may be present.

Other tests may include:

1.MRI (if there may be a tumor, infection, or neurological symptoms)

2.Pulmonary function tests (if kyphosis affects breathing)

3.Spine x-ray