RSNA 2003 

Abstract Archives of the RSNA, 2003


G22-729

Severe Thoracic Kyphosis in the Older Patient in the Absence of Vertebral Fracture: Association of Extreme Curvature with Age

Scientific Papers

Presented on December 2, 2003
Presented as part of G22: Musculoskeletal (Spinal Trauma)

Participants

Matthew Heller MD, PRESENTER: Nothing to Disclose

Abstract: HTML Purpose: Limited data exists on the natural history of thoracic kyphosis in older patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of the thoracic kyphotic angle in older patients without vertebral body abnormality when compared to a young population. Methods and Materials: Thoracic kyphosis was measured by Cobb angle on lateral chest x-rays in 52 older patients (age ³65 years) and in 53 young patients (age £35 years). Only patients with normal appearing spines were included and patients with scoliosis, vertebral compression, vertebral body angulation or congenital anomaly were excluded. Results were graphically plotted and analyzed. Results: In older patients (age ³65 years) average thoracic kyphotic angle was 41.7 degrees (s.d.±12.6) but the distribution was bimodal with one mode between 26-30 degrees and a second mode between 45-50 degrees. In young patients, average thoracic kyphotic angle was 26.8 degrees (s.d.±10.1). The difference in average kyphotic angle was statistically significant (p<0.001). Both men and women were affected equally. Conclusion: An exaggerated thoracic kyphotic angle is common in older patients in the absence of vertebral body abnormality such as height loss or compression. A bimodal distribution is present with a sub population of patients significantly more affected by progressive kyphosis. The relative impact of vertebral body height restoration or improvement in kyphotic angle must be considered in light of this data when treating vertebral compression fractures with the vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty techniques. Progressive thoracic kyphosis might also identify a population at risk for future vertebral body compression fracture.       Questions about this event email: bartynskiws@msx.upmc.edu

Cite This Abstract

Heller MD, M, Severe Thoracic Kyphosis in the Older Patient in the Absence of Vertebral Fracture: Association of Extreme Curvature with Age.  Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3107071.html