Multicenter prospective study identifies characteristics of patients undergoing treatment for Scheuermann kyphosis

In a multicenter prospective cohort study of patients undergoing treatment for Scheuermann kyphosis, the characteristics associated with surgical and non-surgical treatment were evaluated using radiographic and anthropomorphic measures as well as patient reported outcomes on the Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire. The authors noted that among 150 patients enrolled in this study, 77 patients were treated nonoperatively and 73 were treated with surgery. The factors associated with a selection of surgical treatment were increased age, higher BMI, greater T2-12 kyphosis (but no difference in maximal sagittal Cobb angle), and increased pelvic incidence and pelvic tilt, as well as scores indicating worse pain and appearance. The authors concluded that radiographic features are likely not the sole factor under consideration. The study was titled, “What are the Indications for Spinal Fusion Surgery in Scheuermann Kyphosis?” and was published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics.