Congenital Kyphosis with Rapid Progression In Adolescence: A Case Report

Abstract

Congenital kyphosis deformity represents a relatively infrequent spinal disorder in comparison to other types of spinal deformities. However, when left untreated and neglected, it can result in significant morbidity and associated complications. The objective: To present a patient with congenital kyphosis who presented with severe hunchback and weakness in the lower extremities and to review the literature.Case presentation. A 15-year-old patient, accompanied by their parents, presented to our outpatient clinic with a chief complaint of a recent increase in severe kyphotic deformity of the back. Additionally, the patient reported experiencing lower limb weakness and difficulty walking long distances. Following a thorough examination and radiographic evaluation, no intraspinal pathology or comorbidities were identified. Consequently, surgical intervention was planned, and a Schwab 4 osteotomy procedure was performed. Substantial clinical and radiological improvements were observed in the postoperative period. The preoperative angular measurements of the spinal curvature were as follows: thoracic kyphosis (TK) measured at 136º, local kyphosis at 145º, lumbar lordosis (LL) at 109º, sacral slope (SS) at 18.5º, and pelvic tilt (PT) at 39.3º. Notably, a significant postoperative correction was observed, resulting in improved alignment: TK 64º, LL 66º, SS 34º and PT 24º. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed.Congenital kyphosis conditions have the potential to exhibit a rapid progression of deformity during adolescence. Therefore, timely surgical correction becomes crucial before the deformity attains advanced dimensions. Early-age surgical interventions for correcting the deformity hold significant importance in improving the overall quality of life for affected individuals.Keywords: Congenital kyphosis, posterior instrumentation, spinal osteotomy.Corresponding author: Alim Can Baymurat, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey Address: Emniyet Mahallesi, Mevlana Bulvarı No:29Phone: 05455452589E-mail: alimcanbaymuratahoo.comJ Trauma Ortho Kaz 2023; 2 (67): 34-38Recieved: 15-06-2023Accepted: 24-06-2023 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License