A kyphosis with deformity of the thoracic spine leads to loss of height and may be cosmetically bothersome. The flatback, is a deformity related to a previous spinal fusion and a kyphotic position. If kyphosis is associated with flatback then balance is maintained by changes in hip and knee flexion. In healthy individuals some variability in spinal contour is noted.
Abnormal kyphosis requires special evaluation.
Most types of abnormal kyphosis can be entered into one of the three following categories. Normal Kyphosis Flatback Illustration of normal contour kyphosis and flatback. This angular deformities may be quite significant and evolve rapidly during the first years of life. In very mild forms of congenital kyphosis treatment may be delayed, however many cases require prompt and thorough evaluation as well as surgical treatment. The goals of treatment are to prevent progression of abnormal curvature without trying to correct the deformity.