Thoracic scoliosis and restricted neck motion: a new syndrome?

Abstract

The cases of six adolescent males with a mild thoracic scoliosis of unknown etiology and a marked limitation of neck flexion are reported. All six complained of mild thoracic spine pain and were 13–17 years old at the onset of their symptoms. In addition to the thoracic scoliosis, all were found to have a marked limitation of neck flexion. They were unable to touch their chest wall with their chin. None had a positive family history of scoliosis. Radiological examination revealed a thoracic scoliosis of 10°–40°, no abnormalities were detected on cervical spine plain radiographs. Extensive investigations, including MRI of the entire spine, failed to disclose the cause of the spinal deformity or the mechanism causing the limitation of neck motion. Apart from the limited cervical flexion and mild pain, this condition was found to be benign and the spine deformity to be mild or moderate in nature and with limited progression. Review of the literature failed to identify similar cases.