[Camptocormia or reducible lumbar kyphosis in elderly subjects. Apropos of 2 cases of lipoid degeneration of the paravertebral muscles]


Published online: Dec 27 1995

J Legaye, and D Dimboiu.

Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique, Cliniques Universitaires U.C.L., Yvoir, Belgium.

Abstract

Two cases of "camptocormia" or progressive and reducible kyphosis acquired in the elderly are reported. This sagittal imbalance of the spine is induced by fatty involution of the paravertebral muscles. One case was symmetrical, the other one unilateral. This rare pathology should be considered during the spinal examination. Bony fusion is problematic owing to the muscular insufficiency. The primary treatment is medical, by strengthening and corticotherapy.