Scheuermann Disease

Scheurmann disease refers to vertebral wedging, end-plate irregularity, and disc height loss, with or without Schmorl nodes, classically resulting in thoracic (75%) kyphosis. The thoracolumbar (25%) and lumbar (5%) spine may also be involved. Cervical spine involvement is rare. It is seen in adolescents and young adults, found in 30% of boys and 20% of girls with back pain. 15% of patients also have scoliosis.

The criteria for the diagnosis of Scheuermann disease are:

• Greater than 5-degree wedging of at least three adjacent vertebrae at the apex of the kyphosis
• Irregular and narrowed endplates
• Thoracic kyphosis of greater than 45 degrees

References

Davies A, Saifuddin A. Imaging of painful scoliosis. Skeletal Radiol. 2009 Mar;38(3):207-23.