Scheuermann's disease MRI

MRI Cervico Dorsal region spine sagittal T2w images show multiple and contiguous involvement of vertebral bodies in dorsal region.
Antero posterior elongation of vertebral bodies.
Associated Schmorl's nodes, end plate irregularity and disc space narrowing.
Reduced height with anterior wedging of D5, exaggerated kyphosis.
Findings are Classical of Scheuermann's disease.

Scheuermann's disease
A k a Scheuermann kyphosis.
A common condition resulting in kyphosis of the thoracic or thoracolumbar spine.
Low back pain in adolescents, the Schueurmann's disease must be considered.
A plain Xray film is sufficient for diagnosis.
Incidence : ~ 0.4 to 8% of the general population.
Strong hereditary predisposition present (Autosomal dominant).
Adolescent males.
M = F

The most common and classical form of Scheuermann's disease occurs in thoracic region.
The Lumbar variant of Scheuermann's occurs in lumbar or dorso lumbar region.

Imaging wise Diagnostic criteria for classical Schuermann's:
- Degree of kyphosis, for dorsal region should be more than 45 degree (normal 25 - 40 deg) and for dorso lumbar region more than 30 degree (normal 0 deg)
- Multiple and contigenous involvement of vertebral bodies, at least 3 adjacent vertebrae demonstrating wedging.
- Antero posterior elongation of vertebral bodies.
- Associated Schmorl's nodes.
- End plates irregularity which are normally flat.
- Disc space narrowing.

Lumbar Scheuermann's Disease

Type I or classic Lumbar Schuermann's shows hallmark wedging deformities of the vertebrae similar to Thoracic Scheuermann's kyphosis.
Type II or atypical Lumbar Schuermann's does not have a wedging deformity of the vertebrae. Instead the vertebrae maintain their normal squared shape. Severity of kyphosis is also mild. This variant is known as "acute traumatic intraosseous disc herniation." This is characterized by a history of a traumatic event – usually a fall – and includes a fracture of the bony endplate with disc material herniating into the bone.

Scheuermanns-disease-lumbar-variant

The true cause of Schuerman's disease is not known.
Proposed theories include mechanical compression during growth, acute disc injuries, hormonal variations, and genetic factors as the cause. None is proven.

Treatment is symptomatic.
Surgery for severe kyphosis.

References:
Ali RM, Green DW, Patel TC. Scheuermann's kyphosis. Curr. Opin. Pediatr. 1999;11 (1): 70-5.
Lowe TG. Scheuermann disease. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1990;72 (6): 940-5.