Scheuermann's kyphosis following cervical spinal cord injury.
BACKGROUND
Scheuermann's kyphosis is an uncommon autosomal dominant disease that manifests as a progressive thoracic skeletal deformity. It can lead to severe restrictive lung disease or predispose to spinal cord injury (SCI). Neurologic sequelae are rarely reported in the literature.


METHODS
Case Presentation


CONCLUSIONS
A 47-year-old man sustained a cervical SCI requiring surgical anterior fusion and reoperation for fracture of the affected vertebra. One year after SCI, he presented with further kyphotic progression and cervical spine instability. Clinical presentation and family history led to a diagnosis of Scheuermann's kyphosis. To prevent further progression, he underwent extensive multilevel anterior and posterior surgical stabilization.


CONCLUSIONS
This case illustrates the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of progressive spinal deformities. With proper surgical correction, this patient made substantial gains in mobility, self-care, and respiratory status.
Komar
Jonathan C
JC
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98195-6490, USA. jonkomar@u.washington.edu
James
Jennifer
J
Little
James W
JW
D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012544:Scheuermann Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*