Outcome of intensive outpatient rehabilitation and bracing in an adult patient with Scheuermann's disease evaluated by radiologic imaging a case report
BackgroundNo studies examine the efficacy of intensive specific physical therapy (PT) exercises along with brace for the adult with Scheuermann's kyphosis (SK).The aim of this study was to examine the effects of intensive PT based on the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) and SpinoMed brace on a 76 year old female with SK.Case DescriptionA 76 year old female, diagnosed with SK as an adolescent, presented in October 2014 with thoracic hyperkyphosis T1 to T12 Cobb angle of 85deg and lumbar hyper lordosis L1 to L5 Cobb angle of 70deg. Lumbar scoliosis T12 L5 with 21deg Cobb and vertebral rotation 2. Trunk translation in the sagittal plan was 4.5 cm. Intermittent low back pain 6/10 at worst. Quality of life score was 3.8 (SRS 22 questionnaire).MethodThe PT regimen included one hour Schroth exercise sessions three times per week for 6 months. In addition, a home exercise program (HEP) was recommended. Patient also wore a SpinoMed brace for 2 h per day. All tests and measurements were recorded before and after treatment.ResultsAfter a six month treatment period the kyphosis Cobb angle was reduced to 70deg and the lordosis Cobb angle improved to 57deg. A recent x ray (October 2015) showed another improvement in the sagittal plane with thoracic kyphosis measuring 64deg and lumbar lordosis 55deg. Lumbar curvature decreased to 12deg and vertebral rotation to 1. The quality of life score showed improvement with a score of 4.5 on the SRS 22. Pain score diminished to 2. Trunk deviation improved by 2.2 cm.ConclusionThese findings suggest that intensive and specific PT and bracing were successful for the treatment of this adult patient with SK.
Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders