Juvenile kyphosis: effects of different variables on conservative treatment outcome

We reviewed the records of 212 patients with idiopathic or Scheuermann-type juvenile kyphosis (Scheuermann's disease). The 200 patients available for follow-up were divided into three groups depending on the degree of angular deformity, and the influence of different variables on treatment outcome in each group was investigated. A very influential positive variable was combined treatment with a body cast plus brace; exercise treatment also produced acceptable results. Other variables that positively influenced the outcome of treatment were compliance with treatment, and (unexpectedly) elevated initial Risser sign (skeletal maturity). An initial Risser sign of 0 or 1 was, in contrast with other studies, associated with smaller improvement. However, initial maximal wedging, etiology and initial assessment of curve flexibility did not influence the degree of improvement in the initial angular deformity.