Reasonable Hypothesis SOP [1] | 75 of 2016 |
Balance of Probabilities SOP [2] | 76 of 2016 |
SOP Bulletin 192 [3]
Scheuermann's disease is a relatively common developmental disorder of the thoracic or thoracolumbar spine that typically occurs in early adolescence. It results in anterior wedging of vertebrae which leads to an increased forward curvature of the spine (kyphosis), which is rigid.
The diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation and lateral spine X-rays showing anterior wedging of at least 5 degrees in vertebral bodies (typically in 3 or more adjacent vertebrae).
The relevant medical specialist is an orthopaedic surgeon.
Clinical onset will typically be during adolescence. The condition may first come to attention because of noticably increased forward curvature of the spine or may produce thoracic pain that is worse with activity and improves with rest.
Treatment is generally directed at relieving symtpoms. Surgical treatment may be undertaken for severe kyphosis. The underlying pathology dosen't progress once skeletal maturity is reached, so worsening would need to take place before then.
Links
[1] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2016/075.pdf
[2] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2016/076.pdf
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/2016-09%20Bulletin%20192%20new%20SOPs.pdf