Camptocormie : diagnostic et prise en charge

Camptocormia is an abnormal curvature of the trunk, also called bent spine syndrome, caused by a weakness of the erector spinal muscles. This condition leads to forced thoraco-lumbar flexion that increases during walking and disappears in the recumbent position. Camptocormia can result from neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and neuromuscular diseases, including both acquired and hereditary myopathies. The diagnosis requires a careful physical examination and complementary investigations such as biological tests, electroneuromyography, spinal and muscle imaging, and muscle biopsy. Primary camptocormia, an isolated weakness of erector spinal muscles, is also described in elderly people. Camptocormia is more commonly observed in women and an affected family member can be identified in more than half of cases. Isolated neck extensor myopathy and primary camptocormia are variants of the same disease and share common pathophysiologic mechanisms. Therapeutic management depends on the cause; in some rare cases (myositis, myasthenia…), specific treatment is effective. In the remaining cases, a general symptomatic approach includes physiotherapy and orthopedic management.