Kyphosis in children

If your child has a forward curvature in the back, it may be due to a condition called kyphosis. The back of their neck and upper spine may appear unusually rounded.

Children who have kyphosis may have:

• Back pain
• A curve to the upper back
• Shoulder height difference
• Shoulder blade height difference

At Advocate Children’s Hospital, our experienced orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons will take the time to develop a complete diagnosis for your child and consider all treatment options.

Kyphosis testing and diagnosis

Your child’s doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination and gather family and medical history. When it comes to kyphosis in children, they may recommend some of the following tests to form an accurate diagnosis.

• Bone scan: Creates nuclear imaging used to evaluate arthritic changes in the joints that can detect bone diseases and tumors.
• X-ray: Offers a digital image of the precise location of the abnormal spinal bones and internal tissues.
• MRI: Produces an image used to assess the spinal cord with detail along with images of the organs and structures throughout the body.
• CT scan: Produces detailed images that show bones, fat, organs and muscles.
• EOS imaging: Provides frontal and lateral radiology photos, with reduced radiation.
• Radioisotope bone scan: Creates images of the bones, targeting areas in which the bone is repaired or growing.

Depending on your child’s condition, their doctor may also consult with other specialties. We treat your child as a whole person and we offer individualized treatments for every child.

Kyphosis treatments

Nonsurgical treatments for your child with kyphosis may include simple observation and monitoring. Sometimes waiting and watching really is the best treatment. Other options are physical therapy and using a back brace.

When it comes to kyphosis in children, they may recommend some of the following tests to form an accurate diagnosis.

We’re here to help your child through every step of their treatment and recovery. Our trained Child Life specialists explain each step of the journey in age-appropriate language so your child will understand what is happening. We’ll provide all the education you need and help you connect with a social worker as well.