Kyphosis

Kyphosis, commonly known as hunchback or humpback, is a spinal deformity where the upper spine is abnormally curved, causing a rounded upper back. In adolescents, it is known as Scheuermann's Disease and happens when several vertebrae become wedged together. In adults, as we see at The Bonati Institute, it can be the result of osteoporosis fractures, spondolysthesis, or a degenerative disease such as arthritis.

Severe kyphosis compresses the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots. This can cause weakness in your legs and feet. As the disease progresses, you might also experience pressure on your lungs and abdomen. If you have mild back pain at the site of the kyphosis, fatigue, or difficulty breathing, see your doctor. He or she will probably diagnose the problem with x-rays. Most pain from kyphosis is treated non-surgically.

Surgery for Kyphosis Pain

In very rare cases, you may require surgery for kyphosis. Most surgeries involve fusing the vertebrae together with the use of rods, screws, and other tools. Their purpose is to straighten the spine and control movement, thereby reducing pain. It requires a long recovery period, and the post-operative period is painful in itself.

At The Bonati Institute, all of our procedures are done arthroscopically and on an outpatient basis. There is less trauma to muscles and other tissues, less scarring, less bleeding, and fewer risks of infection than there are with traditional open back surgery. Our approach is so innovative that there are just a few surgeons in the world who can perform it.