Which structures are disrupted in Scheuermann's kyphosis?

Which structures are disrupted in Scheuermann's kyphosis?

• A. Cartilaginous endplates and epiphyseal rims
• B. Intervertebral discs
• C. Spinous processes
• D. Vertebral bodies

Answer: (A)

The disturbance in Scheuermann's kyphosis centers on the vertebral growth zones at the end of each bone. Specifically, the cartilaginous endplates and the surrounding ring of epiphyseal cartilage (the epiphyseal rims) fail to develop normally during growth. This leads to irregular endplates and anterior vertebral wedging across several adjacent vertebrae, often with Schmorl’s nodes where nucleus pulposus herniates into the endplate. Because the hallmark change is in the endplates and their ring, these structures are disrupted and drive the kyphotic deformity. Intervertebral discs and spinous processes aren’t the primary sites of this pathology, and while the vertebral bodies showing wedging are a consequence, the core disruption lies in the endplates and epiphyseal rings.

The disturbance in Scheuermann's kyphosis centers on the vertebral growth zones at the end of each bone. Specifically, the cartilaginous endplates and the surrounding ring of epiphyseal cartilage (the epiphyseal rims) fail to develop normally during growth. This leads to irregular endplates and anterior vertebral wedging across several adjacent vertebrae, often with Schmorl’s nodes where nucleus pulposus herniates into the endplate. Because the hallmark change is in the endplates and their ring, these structures are disrupted and drive the kyphotic deformity. Intervertebral discs and spinous processes aren’t the primary sites of this pathology, and while the vertebral bodies showing wedging are a consequence, the core disruption lies in the endplates and epiphyseal rings.