Thoracolumbar kyphosis in achondroplasia: literature review

Abstract

Objective. To detect and summarize the existing data on the prevalence, diagnostic methods, prevention and treatment strategies of the thoracolumbar kyphotic deformities in patients with achondroplasia.Material and Methods. Study design: literature review. The literature search was conducted in electronic databases: PubMed, CrossRef, Google Scholar and eLIBRARY.ru. The review includes articles in English and Russian languages. There were no limitations regarding the level of evidence and the year of publication.Results. The selected 22 articles included 13 retrospective studies and 9 case reports. After dividing all studies into categories related to methods of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of thoracolumbar kyphosis, the following results were obtained: the definition of the border between the norm and pathology was reported only in two articles, and the prevalence rates could be counted based on the data of four articles. The identification of risk factors for the progression of deformity based on statistical analysis was presented in two articles. Three articles were devoted, among others, to the risk of neurological deficit. The description of brace treatment was found in four studies, and six retrospective studies and all selected case reports described surgical treatment. Conclusion.There are very few publications devoted to the problem of thoracolumbar kyphosis in achondroplasia, despite possible poor prognosis of such deformities. Further research should be aimed at searching a consensus among experts in all issues concerning this type of deformity, from prevention to surgical correction of this pathology.