Idiopathic camptocormia is a pathology characterized by abnormalities in posture. It is defined by an anterior flexion of the trunk when standing and walking, but disappears when lying down. (1-4)

Against this background of an anterior flexion of the trunk, the spine bends forward, the inter-vertebral discs also pinch forward, the spinosa (bony extensions of the vertebrae) move away from each other and the external ligaments tighten.

This disease is the consequence of a lumbar paravertebral muscle insufficiency, that is to say a deficiency in the structure of the intrinsic muscles of the lumbar spine.

Camptocormia mainly affects women over the age of 60.

The main diagnosis of the disease is an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) during which fatty involution of the posterior spinal muscles is observable. Either the spontaneous or provoked reduction of the constituent fats of the muscles forming the lower part of the back. These muscles play an essential role in lowering the ribs and in breathing (especially exhalation).

Camptocormia is a syndrome affecting the extensor muscles of the spine. It is defined by an anterior flexion of the trunk when standing and when walking.

There are usually no other symptoms associated with both motor skills and sensory. The lumbar radical nerves are usually unaffected by the disease. (4)

However, some patients may suffer from additional genes in the lower back.

Camptocormia is defined by abnormal bending of the trunk forward when standing and when walking. This pathology has long been considered to be the source of a psychological disorder in the subject.

Today, it has been shown that beyond the associated psychiatric syndrome, many cases of the disease are of genetic origin. Indeed, somatic mutations are said to be at the origin of musculoskeletal or neurological disorders.

The majority of cases of camptocormia are linked to progressive muscle impairment in the elderly.

The symptoms associated with the disease can be more or less general depending on the person who is sick.

The origins of the disease are often associated with muscle disorders such as: (2)

– inflammatory myopathies (inflammatory muscular pathologies);

– muscular dystrophies (conditions resulting from a nutritional deficiency of muscle tissue);

– myotonic myopathies (pathologies affecting muscles and impacting muscle tone);

– myopathies of metabolic or endocrine origin.

Camptocormia can also be associated with neurological abnormalities. Neurological damage associated with Parkinson’s disease can be the cause of camptocormia, in particular through axial dystonia (asymmetry in back muscle tone). (2)

Camptocormia is defined by abnormal bending of the trunk forward when standing and when walking. This pathology has long been considered to be the source of a psychological disorder in the subject.

Today, it has been shown that beyond the associated psychiatric syndrome, many cases of the disease are of genetic origin. Indeed, somatic mutations are said to be at the origin of musculoskeletal or neurological disorders.

The majority of cases of camptocormia are linked to progressive muscle impairment in the elderly.

The symptoms associated with the disease can be more or less general depending on the person who is sick.

The origins of the disease are often associated with muscle disorders such as: (2)

– inflammatory myopathies (inflammatory muscular pathologies);

– muscular dystrophies (conditions resulting from a nutritional deficiency of muscle tissue);

– myotonic myopathies (pathologies affecting muscles and impacting muscle tone);

– myopathies of metabolic or endocrine origin.

Camptocormia can also be associated with neurological abnormalities. Neurological damage associated with Parkinson’s disease can be the cause of camptocormia, in particular through axial dystonia (asymmetry in back muscle tone). (2)

Beyond the diagnosis by MRI allowing the identification of a fatty involution of the posterior spinal muscles, the electromyogram is also used for the demonstration of the pathology.

The latter makes it possible to identify the existence of myogenic anomalies (anomalies of muscle tissue) or neurogenic (anomalies of the nervous system).

Other means of diagnosis are also possible such as a muscle biopsy, adiposis (morbid state due to a fatty overload in the cellular tissue) with endomysial fibrosis.

The development of a so-called “secondary” camptocormia is possible. In this case, it is an underlying consequence of Parkinson’s disease, myopathy, dystonia, certain endocrine diseases, etc.

A differential diagnosis based on the etiology of the disease rules out any possibility of secondary camptocormia. (1)

The treatment of the disease corresponds to a rehabilitation and a custom-made anti-kyphosis restraint (wearing of a corset).