Scheuermann's disease
Last reviewed 10/2023
Scheuermann's disease is a growth disorder of the spine which results in the vertebrae becoming slightly wedge shaped: narrower anteriorly than posteriorly - 'anterior wedging'. The bony epiphyses are often irregular and may be disturbed by herniation of the nuclear pulposus. If these changes occur in the thoracic spine then the normal kyphosis may become exaggerated.
This condition is believed to be the result of a mismatch in the pubertal growth spurt, in which bone growth is not matched by increased bone strength.