Which feature distinguishes Scheuermann's disease on clinical exam?

Which feature distinguishes Scheuermann's disease on clinical exam?

• A. Rigid kyphotic curve not correcting with forward bending
• B. Flexible scoliosis
• C. Normal kyphosis
• D. Hyperlordosis

Answer: (A)

Scheuermann's disease causes a fixed, structural kyphosis in the thoracic spine. On exam the hallmark is a rigid kyphotic curvature that does not reduce when the patient bends forward. This rigidity comes from anterior wedging of several adjacent vertebrae with irregular endplates, making the deformity non-flexible. If the curve were flexible and improved with forward bending, that would point toward a postural (flexible) kyphosis rather than Scheuermann's. Hyperlordosis or a normal kyphotic shape don’t fit the distinctive, non-reducible thoracic kyphosis seen in Scheuermann's.

Scheuermann's disease causes a fixed, structural kyphosis in the thoracic spine. On exam the hallmark is a rigid kyphotic curvature that does not reduce when the patient bends forward. This rigidity comes from anterior wedging of several adjacent vertebrae with irregular endplates, making the deformity non-flexible. If the curve were flexible and improved with forward bending, that would point toward a postural (flexible) kyphosis rather than Scheuermann's. Hyperlordosis or a normal kyphotic shape don’t fit the distinctive, non-reducible thoracic kyphosis seen in Scheuermann's.