Transient kyphotic deformity of the thoracolumbar junction resulting from a large abdominal cyst: a case report.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Pronounced kyphosis of the thoracolumbar junction is a common orthopedic problem in adolescents and may require prolonged bracing therapy or correction spondylodesis. PURPOSE To describe a case where a kyphotic deformity was related to gynecological instead of spine pathology. STUDY DESIGN Case report. METHODS A 17-year-old girl presented with a structural hyperkyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine and radiographic changes of the involved vertebral end plates. RESULTS The thoracolumbar hyperkyphosis appeared to have evolved from a massive intra-abdominal ovarian cyst. Endoscopic paracentesis of the cyst resulted in a complete regression of the hyperkyphosis. CONCLUSIONS A hyperkyphosis is not always related to spine pathology, and other potential causes must be excluded before bracing therapy is initiated.