KYPHOS

IS
-It is a spinal disorder in which an excessive
outward curve of the spine results in an
abnormal rounding of the upper back. The
condition is sometimes known
as ‘’roundback’’ or in the case of a severe
curve as
‘’hunchback’’. Kyphosis can occur at any
age, but is common during adolescence.
CAUSE OF KYPHOSIS
In kyphosis, the normal curve in the middle section of vertebral column
(the thoracic vertebrae) is more curved than normal. There are a number
of
reasons why this might happen, including:
•Poor posture (postural kyphosis) – slouching, leaning back in chairs and
carrying heavy bags can stretch supporting muscles and ligaments, which
can increase
spinal curvature
•Abnormally shaped vertebrae (Scheuermann's kyphosis) – if the
vertebrae don't develop properly, they can end up being out of position
•Abnormal development of the spine in the womb (congenital kyphosis) –
if
something disrupts the spine's normal development, two or more
vertebrae
sometimes fuse together
•Age – as people get older, their spinal curvature can increase
RISK FACTORS OF
KYPHOSIS:
Two risk factors for developing kyphosis are
having
osteoporosis or low bone density, or having a
family member with the condition.
SIGNS &
SYPMTOMS:
• ROUNDED SHOULDERS
• VISIBLE HUMP IN THE BACK
• MILD BACK PAIN
• SPINE STIFFNESS
• TIGHT HAMSTRINGS (the muscles in the back of
the thigh)
• WEAKNESS, NUMBNESS, TINGLING IN THE LEGS
• LOSS OF SENSATION
•SHORTNESS OF BREATH OR DIFFICULTY IN
BREATHING
 3 MAIN TYPES OF
KYPHOSIS

POSTURAL SCHEUEMANN’S
KYPHOSIS KYPHOSIS

CONGENITAL
 POSTURAL
KYPHOSIS
•It is the most common type of kyphosis.
•More common in girls than in boys which is typically noticed in
adolescent age.
•It is caused by poor posture and weakening of the muscle,
ligaments in
the back (paraspinous muscles).
• The vertebrae are typically placed in postural kyphosis.
•It progressively gets worse with time
•These people will have symptoms of pain and muscle fatigue
SCHEUERMANN’S
KYPHOSIS
•It also first noticed during adolescence
period.
•It is a result of structural deformity
•It commonly develops with scoliosis
•Reasons are not well understood
CONGENITAL KYPHOSIS
•It is the least common type of abnormal kyphosis.
•It is caused by abnormal development of the vertebrae prior to
birth.
•Occurs due to fusion of many vertebrae together.
 TREATMENT
Treatment for kyphosis aims to stop the progression of the curve
from getting worse. Treatment depends on many factors,
including the patient’s age, medical history, type of kyphosis,
and the extent of the curve. The most severe casesmay require
surgery, but most do not.
Nonsurgical treatment for kyphosis: For patients who
have postural kyphosis or Scheuermann’s kyphosis with a curve of less
than 75 degrees, doctors usually recommend treatment without surgery.
Treatment options can include:
•Monitoring the curve over many years.
•Exercises to strengthen muscles and improve posture.
•Physical therapy.
•Pain medication, such as anti-inflammatories.
•In rare conditions during childhood, wearing a back brace.
Surgery for kyphosis:
When kyphosis causes severe pain or other symptoms that affect
quality of
life, surgery can be considered to decrease the curve in the spine to
resolve
those issues. Surgery is used more often for patients who have
congenital
kyphosis. In spinal fusion surgery (the most frequently performed
procedure),
the doctor lines up the vertebrae in a straighter position and bonds
them
together by filling the spaces between the vertebrae with small
pieces of bone. When these vertebrae heal, they “fuse” together. This
operation helps lessen the severity of the curve to better support the
DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR
KYPHOSIS:
To diagnose kyphosis, the doctor will perform a physical exam and
observe how you walk and move. You may asked to bend in
different directions to test your flexibility and to observe your spine
more clearly.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography)
scans shows your nerves and any abnormalities in your spinal
cord.
Nerve Test indicate if your nerves are being pinched or
irritated.
X-rays shows the degree of curvature in your spine. A number
of X-rays may be performed while you’re in different positions.
NURSING
DIAGNOSIS:
•IMPAIRED PHYSICAL MOBILITY
•INEFFECTIVE BREATHING
PATTERN
•DISTURBED BODY IMAGE
•DEFICIENT KNOWLEDGE
 PREVENTIO
N: kyphosis can be prevented by being aware of your posture
Postural
and by taking care of your back. You should encourage your child to:
•Avoid slouching
•Sit correctly – sit upright, ensuring that the small of the back is
supported
•Avoid carrying heavy schoolbags that can pull on the back muscles
and
ligaments; the best schoolbags are well-designed backpacks
•Take regular exercise to help strengthen the back and keep it
flexible;
activities such as swimming, running, walking, yoga are ideal for
helping
to prevent back problems