It is found mostly in teenagers and presents a significantly worse deformity than postural kyphosis.

Postural kyphosis (M40.0), the most common type, normally attributed to slouching, can occur in both the old and the young.

Postural Kyphosis: Also called postural "round back".

Whereas in postural kyphosis, the vertebrae and disks appear normal, in Scheuermann's kyphosis, they are irregular, often herniated, and wedge-shaped over at least three adjacent levels.