Definition
- Congenital kyphosis & kyphoscoliosis are uncommon anomalies with potential for rapid progression, leading to severe deformity & sometimes neurological compromise
Classification
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| I | anterior failure of vertebral body formation |
| II | failure of segmentation |
| III | mixed |
| IV | unclassifiable because of its complexity |
Features
- apex of kyphosis is usually between T10 & L1
Natural History
- Curve progression is most rapid during growth & stops during maturity
Treatment
- usually surgery
- Type 1 mild < 55° consider posterior fusion
- Type 1 moderate to severe – fuse anterior & posterior & avoid distraction
- Type 1 late with neurologic compromise – needs decompression anterior & combined fusion
- Type 2 mild < 50° – posterior fusion one level above & below
- Type 2 severe – consider anterior & posterior fusion
- Principle is to protect the cord