Kyphoscoliosis

Kyphoscoliosis describes an abnormal curvature of the spine in both the coronal and sagittal planes. It is a combination of kyphosis and scoliosis. This musculoskeletal disorder often leads to other issues in patients, such as under-ventilation of lungs, pulmonary hypertension, difficulty in performing day-to-day activities, psychological issues emanating from anxiety about acceptance among peers, especially in young patients. It can also be seen in syringomyelia, Friedreich's ataxia, spina bifida, kyphoscoliotic Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (kEDS), and Duchenne muscular dystrophy due to asymmetric weakening of the paraspinal muscles. A person with kyphoscoliosis may exhibit an abnormal hunch along with the presence of an S or C-like shape, the presence of associated disorders like hypertension and neurological disorders, or an abnormal gait. Kyphosis by itself refers to an excessive convex curvature of the spine occurring in the thoracic and sacral regions. A normal thoracic curvature from the 1st to the 12th vertebra has a naturally occurring convex shape with angles ranging from 20 degrees to 45 degrees. When the curvature exceeds 45 degrees, the condition is termed kyphosis. Kyphosis, depending on the extent of curvature, can result in several symptoms including breathing and digestion difficulties, cardiovascular issues, and neurological issues. There are several forms of kyphosis, including postural (related to slouching), Scheuermann's kyphosis (found mostly in teenagers), congenital, nutritional, osteoporosis-induced and post-traumatic. Depending on the type of kyphosis, the extent of curvature, the age of the patient, different treatments may be recommended, including the provision for posture correction, braces, physiotherapy, and surgery. Surgery can be most useful in patients who have an extensive deformity. The rate of post-surgery complications may be higher in elderly patients. Scoliosis refers to a form of abnormal spinal curvature in which the person's spine takes an S or C shape.