There are 2 main variations that can be seen.

Kyphosis and scoliosis

• Kyphosis is backward bending of the vertebral column
• Scoliosis is lateral bending of the vertebral column

Common Causes

• Congenital
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Rickets
• Neurofibromatosis
• Friedrich’s ataxia
• Cerebral palsy
• Marfans syndrome
• Turners syndrome

Method to diagnose scoliosis

• Request the child to remove their shirt (if allowed). Get them to stand straight with both hands on either side of their hips.
• Look for any curvature from the back,
• You can palpate the spine to confirm

Method to diagnose Kyphosis

• Look at the child from the side (laterally).
• You might notice an increase in anteroposterior distance