Pedicle Screw Fixation for Scheuermann's Kyphosis

Scheuermann's kyphosis is an idiopathic condition of the spine, which usually presents in adolescents as hyperkyphosis of the thoracic spine. While brace therapy and observation play a role in Scheuermann's disease, frequently surgical treatment is necessary given the significant amount of deformity and back pain. In the past, surgical treatment has focused on the anterior and posterior arthrodesis with instrumentation in order to obtain correction and union. However, with the advent of thoracic pedicle screws, surgeons have recently begun to use posterior segmental instrumentation with posterior osteotomies in order to obtain acceptable correction rates. This article describes the technique of posterior instrumentation with thoracic pedicle screws for Scheuermann's kyphosis.