How many adjacent segments must be involved for Scheuermann disease?

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How many adjacent segments must be involved for Scheuermann disease?

Scheuermann disease is diagnosed radiographically by a structural kyphosis that involves multiple consecutive vertebrae. The key requirement is wedging of the anterior aspects of at least three adjacent vertebral bodies (typically with about 5 degrees or more of wedging in each). This three-or-more contiguous involvement distinguishes a fixed Scheuermann kyphosis from a simple postural rounding. If fewer than three vertebrae are wedged, the deformity may be less severe or due to other causes and would not meet the diagnostic threshold.

Scheuermann disease is diagnosed radiographically by a structural kyphosis that involves multiple consecutive vertebrae. The key requirement is wedging of the anterior aspects of at least three adjacent vertebral bodies (typically with about 5 degrees or more of wedging in each). This three-or-more contiguous involvement distinguishes a fixed Scheuermann kyphosis from a simple postural rounding. If fewer than three vertebrae are wedged, the deformity may be less severe or due to other causes and would not meet the diagnostic threshold.

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