Thoracic kyphosis in cystic fibrosis.

The incidence of thoracic kyphosis in 91 older children and adolescents suffering from cystic fibrosis was 15.1%. Only 5.5% of 91 hospitalized "normal" adolescents had the deformity. Among the group of patients with cystic fibrosis we found a positive correlation between incidence of kyphosis and severe pulmonary disease. Because the kyphosis does not seem to represent a problem in itself, and owing to the various and multiple problems of these young people, braces are indicated only in exceptional cases with rapidly progressing deformity. A program of proper stretching, thoracic extension, and breathing exercises should be recommended for such patients.