Scheuermann's Disease: A Review

Scheuermann's disease (or more correctly, spinal osteochondrosis) is not confined to the thoracic spine: all parts of the spine may be affected. Major signs are endplate irregularity, more than 5° vertebral wedging, and sagittal overgrowth. Minor signs are Schmorl's nodes, anterior flattening of the vertebral endplate, and anterior detachment of a ring apophysis. Symptoms are of little diagnostic value. Scheuermann's affects 20 per cent to 30 percent of the population; males and females equally. A hereditary predisposition is a major factor in the aetiology of Scheuermann's disease. There is evidence that this condition follows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Treatment consists of either exercises; bracing and exercises; or in very severe cases, surgery.