Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity
Published on: September 16, 2022
Infantile thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to lumbar hypoplasia
Mauricio A Campos1, Pedro Fernandes, Lori A Dolan
1University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Insights
Infantile thoracolumbar kyphosis due to lumbar hypoplasia often resolves spontaneously in otherwise healthy infants. Conservative observation is recommended after ruling out congenital anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Spinal Deformities
- Infant Health
Background:
- Infants normally transition from kyphotic to lordotic spinal alignment.
- Thoracolumbar kyphosis in infants is rare but can stem from congenital issues.
- This study focuses on infants with thoracolumbar kyphosis due to lumbar hypoplasia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the natural history of thoracolumbar kyphosis in infants with lumbar hypoplasia.
- To determine if spontaneous resolution occurs in these cases.
- To establish conservative management guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of seven infants with thoracolumbar kyphosis.
- Analysis of clinical data and radiographs to exclude congenital anomalies.
- Measurement of kyphosis progression using serial radiographs.
Main Results:
- All seven patients were managed conservatively with observation.
- No neurological deficits were observed.
- Average initial kyphosis of 34.2 degrees resolved to 0.4 degrees of lordosis over 5.7 years.
- Kyphosis was secondary to L1 or L2 hypoplasia.
Conclusions:
- Thoracolumbar kyphosis in infants secondary to lumbar hypoplasia can resolve spontaneously.
- Observation is advised after ruling out congenital anomalies and bone dysplasias.
Background:
There is a normal transition from the kyphotic alignment that is present in the spine of the newborn to the normal sagittal contours that are present in the adult spine. Although abnormal kyphosis at the thoracolumbar junction in infants is rare, it can result from congenital anomalies and bone dysplasias. We report the cases of seven otherwise normal infants who had thoracolumbar kyphosis due to lumbar hypoplasia, with total spontaneous resolution over time.
Methods:
The medical records of seven patients who met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Clinical data and radiographs were analyzed to rule out the presence of congenital anomalies or bone dysplasias. Progression of kyphosis was measured on serial radiographs made with the patient sitting and standing.
Results:
All patients were managed conservatively with observation alone. No patient had a neurologic deficit. The average age at the time of the initial diagnosis was 5.3 months, and the average duration of follow-up was 5.7 years. Three cases of kyphosis were secondary to L1 hypoplasia, and four were secondary to L2 hypoplasia. The average initial kyphosis was 34.2 degrees, which progressed to 0.4 degrees of lordosis at the time of the latest follow-up.
Conclusions:
Thoracolumbar kyphosis in normal infants secondary to lumbar hypoplasia may resolve spontaneously. After congenital anomalies and bone dysplasias are ruled out, a period of observation is advised.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature
Regions of the Vertebral Column
In an adult, the spine is subdivided into five regions: the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, the sacral, and the coccygeal region. The spine initially develops as a series of 33 vertebrae; after 20 years of age, the nine bones in the sacral region, five sacral, and four coccygeal bones fuse to form the...
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology