Anyone know about Kyphosis?

My fiance has kyphosis. A few years ago, the doctors told him that he was too old to wear a back brace and too young to get surgery (he's 24 now, think he seen the doc around the age of 17). What kind of surgery does he need to help this condition and about how much would it cost?

The term "kyphosis" (kI-fO-sis) is usually applied to the curve that results in an exaggerated "round-back." A variety of disorders may be responsible for this condition. Several are listed below.

Usually, a visit to the doctor is brought on by a scoliosis screening at school, concern about the cosmetic deformity of a rounded back or pain combined with poor posture. The doctor may ask the child to bend forward so that he or she can see the slope of the spine. X-rays of the spine will show if there are any bony abnormalities. X-rays will also let the doctor measure the degree of the kyphotic curve. Any kyphotic curve that is more than 50 degrees is considered abnormal.

Types of kyphosis

Postural kyphosis. Postural kyphosis is the most common type. It is often attributed to "slouching." It represents an exaggerated, but flexible, increase of the natural curve of the spine. This usually becomes noticeable during adolescence. It is more common among girls than boys. It rarely causes pain. Exercises to strengthen the abdomen and stretch the hamstrings may help take away associated discomfort. But exercises probably won't result in significant correction of the postural kyphosis. This condition does not lead to problems in adult life.

Scheuermann's kyphosis. Scheuermann's (shoe-er-mans) kyphosis is named after the Danish radiologist who first described the condition. Like postural kyphosis, it often becomes apparent during the teen years. However, Scheuermann's kyphosis will present with a significantly worse cosmetic deformity. This is particularly the case in thin individuals. Scheuermann's kyphosis usually affects the upper (thoracic) spine. It can also occur in the lower (lumbar) back area. If pain is present, it is usually felt at the apex of the curve. Activity can aggravate the pain. So can long periods of standing or sitting. Exercises and anti-inflammatory medication help ease the discomfort. When X-rays are examined, the vertebrae and disks will appear normal in postural kyphosis. But they are irregular and wedge-shaped in Scheuermann's kyphosis.

Congenital kyphosis. In some infants, the spinal column does not develop properly while the fetus is still in the womb. The bones may not form as they should. Several vertebrae may be fused together. Either of these abnormal situations may cause progressive kyphosis as the child grows. Surgical treatment may be needed at a very young age. This can maintain a more normal spinal curve. Consistent follow-up is required to monitor any changes.

Treatment for may involve anti-inflammatory drugs as well as exercises to strengthen the abdominal and hamstring muscles. Surgical treatment can be used in severe cases; however body braces are employed if surgery is deemed unnecessary, as the procedure is serious and consists of fusion of the abnormal vertebrae (4). Surgical treatment also has greater risk involved than a brace, for example as in any surgery there is a risk of infection, which could be potentially serious in the current situation of multiple drug resistant bacteria such as MRSA.

it depends on if it is just postural and he needs to strngthen and train his muscles to fix the problem. He should really make sure that its a structural (bone) problem before any kind of surgery. If it is a bone structure problem, the best thing to do is still exercise and make your back strong to prevent it from getting worse.