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Congenital Kyphosis

Definition

  • Congenital kyphosis & kyphoscoliosis are uncommon anomalies with potential for rapid progression, leading to severe deformity & sometimes neurological compromise

Classification

Classification of Congenital Kyphosis
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

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