Kummell disease

Kummell disease is a rare condition that affects the vertebral bodies, most often in the thoracic spine. It occurs weeks to months after a minor traumatic injury, leading to a loss of blood supply and bone tissue death (osteonecrosis) in a vertebra. This process can result in a compression of the vertebral body and changes in the normal alignment of the spine. The disease is characterized by features such as a collapse of the vertebral body, the presence of an intravertebral vacuum cleft, and an exaggerated forward curve of the spine (kyphosis). These changes can lead to back pain, altered posture, and other complications related to spinal instability.

People with Kummell disease may experience back pain along with changes in spinal structure, such as compression of a vertebral body and an abnormal curvature (kyphosis). These symptoms typically appear weeks to months after a minor injury.

Kummell disease is linked to a minor traumatic injury that occurs weeks or months before symptoms develop. The trauma is believed to lead to reduced blood flow in a vertebra, causing bone tissue death (osteonecrosis). There is no known genetic cause, and the exact risk factors beyond this mechanism remain unclear.

Information about treatment is currently limited for this condition.

Information about prognosis is currently limited for this condition.

Information about current research and future directions is currently limited for this condition.