"} 64:{"position":8,"content":"Dr. Steven Velkes, chief of the orthopedic surgery department at the Rabin Medical Center- Beilinson Campus in Petah Tikva, replies: "} 65:{"position":9,"content":"This condition is usually caused by ankylosing spondylitis or Sheurman’s disease. If it is due to an isolated thoracic spine deformity (Sheurman’s disease), it is only a cosmetic issue, as the chest cage remains flexible without an effect on the respiratory system. However, if the kyphosis is part of ankylosing spondylitis, this may have an effect on the chest cage’s flexibility and can reduce air flow to the lungs. There is no need for surgery in either case if the patient is not interested, as it is mainly for cosmetic reasons."} 66:{"position":10,"content":"There is no treatment in adults to correct this deformity besides surgery. Unfortunately there is no mechanical device that will help at this age, as at 60, it is almost always a fixed deformity."} 67:{"position":11,"content":"Prof. Meir (Iri) Liebergall, chairman of the orthopedic surgery department at Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem, adds:"} 68:{"position":12,"content":"Deformity of the spine known as kyphosis is mostly an aesthetic problem, even though sometimes it is accompanied by back pains or posture problems."} 69:{"position":13,"content":"At 60, one can’t significantly improve it with physiotherapy or a brace, but exercises can improve posture and even prevent back pains. At age 60, it’s rare that we would perform spinal surgery to repair kyphosis. It is best to consult with an orthopedist."} 6a:{"position":14,"content":"Rx for Readers welcomes queries from readers about medical problems. Experts will answer those we find most interesting. Write Rx for Readers, The Jerusalem Post, POB 81, Jerusalem 9100002, fax your question to Judy Siegel-Itzkovich at (02) 538- 9527, or email it to jsiegel@jpost.com, giving your initials, age and place of residence.

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Rx for Readers welcomes queries from readers about medical problems. Experts will answer those we find most interesting.

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