[Correction of adolescent kyphosis. What is the state of the art?]

Thoracic and thoracolumbar kyphosis is a common deformity in pediatric and adolescent populations. Kyphotic deformation of the spine is defined as a curve which shows an increase in the dorsal convex angulation. The most common causes of kyphosis in pediatric and adolescent populations are Scheuermann's disease, postural and congenital kyphosis. The fundamental principles of treatment are analysis of the kyphotic deformity and restoration or maintenance of sagittal balance. Clinically significant sagittal deformities can lead to severe pain, substantial cosmetic alterations, spinal cord dysfunction, problems with swallowing, gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary complications. When the kyphotic deformity exceeds a certain point and conservative therapy options are no longer sufficient surgical intervention is indicated. The available operative options for treatment of the various types of pediatric and adolescent thoracolumbar kyphosis include dorsal instrumentation and fusion combined with ventral fusion and purely ventral instrumentation and fusion.