Kyphosis is the name of the curve in the middle part of the spine. When this part of the spine curves too much (hump-back), it affects the way the shoulder can move. A study published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery suggests that this condition may influence the development of shoulder impingement syndrome. ~ Dr. Broussard
Association between kyphosis and subacromial impingement syndrome: LOHAS study
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
December 2014Volume 23, Issue 12, Pages e300–e307
Kenichi Otoshi, MD, PhD
Background
Kyphosis is a cause of scapular dyskinesis, which can induce various shoulder disorders, including subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). This study aimed to clarify the impact of kyphosis on SIS with use of cross-sectional data from the Locomotive Syndrome and Health Outcome in Aizu Cohort Study (LOHAS).
Methods
The study enrolled 2144 participants who were older than 40 years and participated in health checkups in 2010. Kyphosis was assessed by the wall-occiput test (WOT) for thoracic kyphosis and the rib-pelvic distance test (RPDT) for lumbar kyphosis. The associations between kyphosis, SIS, and reduction in shoulder elevation (RSE) were investigated.
Results
Age- and gender-adjusted logistic regression analysis demonstrated significant association between SIS and WOT (odds ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.02, 2.64; P < .05), whereas there was no significant association between SIS and RPDT. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated no significant association between SIS and both WOT and RPDT, whereas there was significant association between SIS and RSE.
Conclusion
RSE plays a key role in the development of SIS, and thoracic kyphosis might influence the development of SIS indirectly by reducing shoulder elevation induced by the restriction of the thoracic spine extension and scapular dyskinesis.