Kyphosis (Hunchback) Correction

About Kyphosis (Hunchback) Correction

Kyphosis is an excessive forward curvature of the upper spine that produces a rounded or hunched appearance of the back, which can result from poor posture, degenerative changes with age, vertebral compression fractures, certain developmental conditions affecting the growing spine, or, less commonly, congenital abnormalities present from birth. Mild cases, particularly those related to posture, are often managed with targeted physical therapy to strengthen the back extensor muscles and improve posture, along with activity modification, and bracing may be used in adolescents whose spine is still growing to help slow progression of a structural curve. When kyphosis is severe, progressive, or causing significant pain, nerve symptoms, or difficulty with balance and breathing, surgical correction may be recommended, generally involving spinal instrumentation with rods and screws to gradually realign the curved segment, sometimes combined with an osteotomy, a controlled cut through the bone, to allow greater correction, followed by fusion to hold the new alignment permanently. Surgical planning uses detailed imaging of the entire spine to determine the safest correction achievable. India's spine deformity centres manage kyphosis across this full range, from conservative bracing programs to complex corrective surgery for structural curves.