How is kyphosis in children diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through physical examination and imaging (e.g. EOS X‑ray or MRI). Any curve > 50° is treated as kyphosis.

What are the symptoms of kyphosis in children?

Visible curvature of the upper back, uneven shoulders, poor posture and intermittent back discomfort.

What treatments are available for kyphosis?

Depending on severity, treatment may include physiotherapy, bespoke bracing or spinal fusion surgery.

Where can my child receive treatment?

Treatment is available at The Portland Hospital’s Paediatric Spinal & Scoliosis Centre in London.

Conditions

Kyphosis in children

Back to Conditions

Kyphosis in children

The only UK private hospital dedicated to treating women and children
40,000+ babies, children and young people cared for every year
The first private hospital with a low radiation X-ray scanner

Find a paediatric spinal consultant

Jump to

KYPHOSIS IN CHILDREN AT HCA HEALTHCARE UK

Why choose us?

Discovering that your child has an issue with their spine can be an extremely concerning time for your family. With HCA UK, you can rest assured that your child is in the safest possible hands.

They’ll be looked after by a team that includes some of the UK’s leading spinal surgeons, neurosurgeons and physiotherapists, offering exceptional, wrap-around care. With low radiation EOSedge X-ray scanning and wonderfully designed wards and facilities, we make any condition as comfortable as possible to successfully diagnose, treat and manage. It's why 97% of our orthopaedic patients say they would recommend us to family and friends.

What is kyphosis?

If your child has kyphosis, they’ll have a pronounced curvature of their spine that you might be able to see yourself when you look from the side. That makes it different to scoliosis which is a curvature that’s visible when viewed from the front. Both conditions can be congenital, developing in the womb.

What are the symptoms of kyphosis?

While everyone has a slight spinal curve at the top of their back, kyphosis in children is diagnosed if that curve is beyond 50 degrees. Other physical symptoms include:

A difference in the height and / or position of your child’s shoulders
An uneven posture
Their upper back looks higher than normal when they bend forward
Back pain

If you’re worried that your child has kyphosis, it’s important to pick a specialist that you and your child feel happy and comfortable working with.

Choose a paediatric spinal consultant

Can my child have both kyphosis and scoliosis?

Yes, our specialists do see children with both conditions. Our highly experienced consultants have the expertise to accurately diagnose your child and successfully treat whichever condition, or combination of conditions, they have.

Find the right consultant

No.1

in London for private orthopaedic and spinal care

1st

private hospital to install a low-radiation X-ray scanner

24-hour

one-to-one care

Fast access to specialists

appointments confirmed within 24 hours

State-of-the-art diagnostics

with results in as little as 48 hours

Multidisciplinary teams

expert treatment with specialist care for complex cases

Think your child might have kyphosis?

See a GP and get on the path to diagnosis.

Book a next day appointment

Have a referral letter and need to book?

Simply book a test, EOSedge X-ray, scan or treatment directly today.

See our orthopaedic tests and scans

Unsure of a diagnosis and need some answers?

Talk to a specialist and get the clarity and fast pathway to treatment you need.

Find a specialist

KYPHOSIS IN CHILDREN TESTS AND SCANS AT HCA UK

An accurate diagnosis and vital clarity

With HCA UK, your child will be looked after by some of the UK’s leading spinal specialists. Their consultant will start with a thorough physical examination to assess the appearance of your child’s back and discuss their medical history and symptoms. They may suggest a range of different tests to help make the right diagnosis, including using state-of-the-art imaging technology:

A low dose EOSedge X-ray - less radiation, more detail of tissue and bones
MRI scan to explore your child's spine in greater detail
Blood tests

A specialist musculoskeletal radiologist will review the results, and your consultant will discuss their findings and their recommended treatment plan with you.

KYPHOSIS IN CHILDREN TREATMENTS AT HCA UK

The right pathway for your child

Your consultant will discuss your child's treatment options with you and explore the best approach for their specific case. They may recommend:

Regular checkups every four to six months to closely monitor your child's spine
Fitting a special brace or cast to prevent further curvature
A surgical procedure to limit further progression of the curve in some severe cases, where the curve of your child's spine is more than 75 degrees

A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR CHILD

Join Abigail and Hannah touring The Portland

At HCA UK, creating a compassionate environment where your child feels at ease is one of our top priorities, helping to reduce any anxiety and aid your child’s recovery. We want your child to feel safe, and for you to be reassured that they’re being treated by expert teams you can trust.

Our highly experienced paediatric specialists, including leading consultants and surgeons, clinical nurse specialists and support staff, are always here for your child, putting their needs first and ensuring that they receive the best possible care.

Join Abigail and Hannah as they go on a treasure hunt around the Portland Hospital, exploring what our different teams do and how they work together.

Accessing private healthcare

Self-pay

Health insurance

Transfer

Self-pay

You don’t need health insurance for your child to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.

And we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote from the start, outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.

Book an appointment

Health insurance

If your child’s treatment is paid for by insurance, simply give us your details and we’ll take care of the rest. All our consultants are covered by major medical insurers.

Your insurer will need to see a referral letter from a GP (NHS or private). Once you have your referral, contact your insurer for a procedure authorisation code which you’ll need to bring with you when you bring your child to their appointment.

Book your consultation

FAQs

Does kyphosis always need surgical treatment?

No, your child may not need surgery. However, if the forward curve of their spine becomes pronounced, it can lead to pain and start compressing their lungs, interfering with their breathing.

Severe kyphosis needs bracing to correct it, and your child may need surgery. Your consultant can give you expert advice, based on your child’s individual condition.

Can physiotherapy help my child with kyphosis?

Yes, it can. Most often, kyphosis is treated with specialist physiotherapy strengthening and stretching exercises, and with bracing. Our multi-disciplinary teams are here to offer all the wrap around support your child needs.

Why is HCA UK exceptional for paediatric spinal treatments?

The Portland Hospital in London is the only private hospital dedicated to the care of children. It is also the home of The Scoliosis and Spinal Surgery Centre which has dedicated facilities to diagnose and treat your child.

Our specialists are highly experienced at treating children with a wide range of spinal conditions, from the common to the complex.

Find a paediatric spinal consultant

Our patients’ stories

Jack's Spinal Scoliosis story

Jack’s mother Jaime noticed his shoulder blades were slightly uneven in March 2020, at the start of the UK COVID-19 lockdown. After being faced with a long wait for a referral, a chance recommendation led Jaime to turn to The Portland Hospital. Here Jaime shares their story and explain why this surgery was so important.

Read the story