In osteochondrosis of the spine (synonyms: Adolescent kyphosis; Pronounced osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine; Pronounced osteochondrosis of the cervical spine; Pronounced osteochondrosis of the lumbar and sacral spine; Pronounced osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine; Pronounced osteochondrosis of the spine with foramina narrowing; Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine; Calvé’s disease; Calvé’s syndrome; Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine; Juvenile osteochondrosis of the vertebral body; Juvenile osteochondrosis of the spine; Lumbosacral osteochondrosis with retrolisthesis; Massive osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine; Massive osteochondrosis of the spine; Scheuermann’s disease; Osteochondrosis of thoracic spine; Osteochondrosis of cervical spine; Osteochondrosis of lumbar and sacral spine; Osteochondrosis of lumbar spine; Osteochondrosis of lumbar spine; Osteochondrosis of lower cervical spine; Osteochondrosis of spine; Osteochondrosis of the spine in adults; Scheuermann’s disease; Scheuermann’s osteochondrosis; Scheuermann’s syndrome; Schmorl’s cartilage nodules in Scheuermann’s disease; Severe osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine; Vertebral epiphysitis; Vertebra plana; WS osteochondrosis; Cervical osteochondrosis; ICD-10-GM M42,-: Osteochondrosis of the spine) are degenerative changes of the bone/cartilage in the area of the joints and the epiphyses (joint end with bone core), which are characterized by sclerosis (calcification) and irregular contouring. The reason for this is a misload over many years due to constant standing or continuous sitting as well as lack of exercise.
Juvenile osteochondrosis (osteochondrosis of the adolescent, also called adolescent kyphosis or Scheuermann’s disease) can be distinguished from osteochondrosis of the adult. Adolescent kyphosis is a developmental disorder that runs in families.
Adult osteochondrosis of the spine is the most common.
Sex ratio: boys to girls is 2: 1 (Scheuermann’s disease).
Peak incidence: juvenile osteochondrosis occurs predominantly between the ages of 11 and 15 in girls and between the ages of 12 and 17 in boys. Adult osteochondrosis occurs more frequently with increasing age.
The prevalence (disease frequency) for Scheuermann’s disease is 1-8% (in Germany).
Course and Prognosis: The disease is associated with wedge vertebrae formation, disc narrowing, and cover plate collapse, which can lead to mild scoliosis (lateral bending of the spine with simultaneous rotation (twisting) of the vertebrae) and significant structural kyphosis (a posterior (dorsal) convex curvature of the spine).
In juvenile osteochondrosis, persistent sitting and weak back muscles cause regular overstretching of the vertebrae at the front, damaging the growth zones between the vertebrae. The vertebrae grow more slowly and a wedge shape develops. The result is a distinct hunchback in the thoracic spine.
In adult osteochondrosis, spondylophytes (bony attachments at the edge of the vertebrae) form on the vertebrae, and the intervertebral discs change their shape and elasticity. There is a reduction in the height of the intervertebral spaces, which leads to spondylarthrosis (wear of the vertebral arch joints). Due to the changes in the shape of the vertebral bodies and the intervertebral disc, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) may occur, which is accompanied by pain in this region. The lumbar spine is most commonly affected, but the cervical spine can also be affected.
