What shape do vertebral bodies develop in Scheuermann's kyphosis?

What shape do vertebral bodies develop in Scheuermann's kyphosis?

• A. Flattened
• B. Wedge-shaped
• C. Cylindrical
• D. Bell-shaped

Answer: (B)

Wedge-shaped deformation of the vertebral bodies is characteristic here. In Scheuermann's kyphosis, several adjacent vertebrae grow unevenly during adolescence, with the front (anterior) height shrinking more than the back. This anterior wedging makes the vertebral bodies look like a wedge when viewed on radiographs, producing a fixed, excessive forward curvature of the spine. The posterior height remains relatively preserved, and endplates become irregular, often with Schmorl nodes, reinforcing the wedged shape. This pattern—anterior shortening leading to a wedge—explains the kyphotic deformity, distinguishing it from flattening, cylindrical, or other shapes.

Wedge-shaped deformation of the vertebral bodies is characteristic here. In Scheuermann's kyphosis, several adjacent vertebrae grow unevenly during adolescence, with the front (anterior) height shrinking more than the back. This anterior wedging makes the vertebral bodies look like a wedge when viewed on radiographs, producing a fixed, excessive forward curvature of the spine. The posterior height remains relatively preserved, and endplates become irregular, often with Schmorl nodes, reinforcing the wedged shape. This pattern—anterior shortening leading to a wedge—explains the kyphotic deformity, distinguishing it from flattening, cylindrical, or other shapes.