Which finding on Adam's forward bend test indicates Scheuermann's disease?

Which finding on Adam's forward bend test indicates Scheuermann's disease?

• A. Rigid kyphotic curve that doesn't correct with forward bending
• B. Flexible kyphotic curve that corrects with bending
• C. Normal spinal curvature
• D. Pain improves with forward bending

Answer: (A)

Adam's forward bend test asks whether a spinal curvature is flexible or fixed. Scheuermann's disease causes a structural, fixed thoracic kyphosis from anterior wedging of vertebral bodies, so the kyphotic curve remains pronounced when the patient bends forward. In contrast, a flexible kyphotic curve that straightens with forward bending points away from Scheuermann's and toward a functional or postural issue. Normal curvature wouldn’t fit a disease causing rigid kyphosis, and pain that changes with bending isn’t a defining diagnostic sign on this test. So the red flag is a rigid kyphotic curve that does not correct with forward bending.

Adam's forward bend test asks whether a spinal curvature is flexible or fixed. Scheuermann's disease causes a structural, fixed thoracic kyphosis from anterior wedging of vertebral bodies, so the kyphotic curve remains pronounced when the patient bends forward. In contrast, a flexible kyphotic curve that straightens with forward bending points away from Scheuermann's and toward a functional or postural issue. Normal curvature wouldn’t fit a disease causing rigid kyphosis, and pain that changes with bending isn’t a defining diagnostic sign on this test. So the red flag is a rigid kyphotic curve that does not correct with forward bending.