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.

METHOD: Case Presentation

SUMMARY: 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.

CONCLUSION

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.