Prices in Germany are normally 75% below the cost for the treatment of Kyphosis in the US and are individually quoted. They include all medical expenses, the hospital stay, surgeon's fees, operation room fees, anesthesia, anesthesiologist's fees, medicine, nursing, semi-private room, meals, pre-op diagnosis, local phone and English TV.

Kyphosis: Definition

Kyphosis occurs in the thoracic spine, which naturally has some kyphosis or forward facing C curve. A medical problem results when there is too much kyphotic curve in the thoracic spine. The normal amount of curve in the thoracic spine varies from person to person, but should be no more than 40 degrees or less than 20 degress over the entire thoracic spine, which is made of 12 vertebae and connected to your ribs.

Kyphosis: Types

There are many types of adult kyphosis. These types of kyphosis are usually distinguished by their causes.

Kyphoisis: Postural Kyphosis

Postural kyphosis, or "round back", is the most common type of kyphosis and is normally attributed to poor posture. Postural kyphosis retains the flexible curvature of the spine. It usually becomes apparent during adolescence and does not usually result in pain(1), or lead to long term problems in adult life.

"Hyperlordosis" or excessive curvature of the lumbar spine will sometimes compensate for postural Kyphosis. The normal curve of the lumbar is known aa "lordosis" and is in the shape a backward facing "C".

Kyphosis: Scheuermann's Kyphosis

The thoracic curve can reach 75 degrees in Scheuermann's Kypnhosis (named after the Danish radiologist who discovered the disease), but is not less 45 degrees. Scheuermann's Kyphosis can cause pain. It is considered a form of juvenile osteochondrosis of spine, and is more commonly called Scheuermann's Disease. It is found mostly in teenagers and presents a significantly worse deformity than postural Kyphosis. A patient suffering with Scheuermann's Kyphosis cannot consciously correct their posture. The apex of their curve, located in the thoracic vertebrae is quite rigid. The sufferer may feel pain at this apex, which can be aggravated by physical activity and by long periods of standing or sitting; this can have a significantly detrimental affect to their lives as their level of activity is curbed by their condition and they may feel isolated or uneasy amongst their peers if they are children, depending on the level of deformity. Whereas in postural Kyphosis, the vertebrae and disks appear normal, in Scheuermann's kyphosis they are irregular, often herniated and wedge shaped over at least three adjacent levels. There herniations are small and known as Schmorl's nodes and are at the ends of the affected (wedged) vertebrae. Also present in the spine are thickened anterior longitutinal ligaments that may contribute to the deformity.

Kyphosis: Congenital Kyphosis

Congenital Kyphosis can result in infants whose spinal column has not developed correctly in the womb. Vertebrae may be malformed or fused together and can cause further progressive Kyphosis as the child develops. Abnormalities with the body's urinary collecting system is also associated with congenital Kyphosis. Surgical treatment may be necessary at a very early stage and can help maintain a normal curve in coordination with consistent follow ups to monitor changes. However the decision to carry out the procedure can be very difficult due to the potential risks to the child.

Kyphosis: Other Causes

Kyhphoisis can be brought on by paralysis, trauma, degenerative disc disease, surgery, infection, cancer, radiation treatment of the axial skeletion as a child and infections.

Kyphosis: Treatment

Kyhphoisis treatment varies according to its type and severity. Treatment can range from education and exerise to drugs to surgery. Only an individual assessment by a qualified physician can determine a course of treatment.

For a free evaluation of your treatment needs and cost, please contact us.

The information provided herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright © European Medical Tourist. Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.