Camptocormia in Parkinson's disease: definition, epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment modalities

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2016 Jan;87(1):75-85. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-310049. Epub 2015 Apr 20.

Abstract

Camptocormia is an axial postural deformity characterised by abnormal thoracolumbar spinal flexion. The symptom usually presents while standing, walking or exercising and is alleviated while sitting, lying in a recumbent position, standing against a wall or using walking support. There is no consensus on the degree of thoracolumbar flexion to define camptocormia. However, most authors usually use an arbitrary number of at least 45° flexion of the thoracolumbar spine when the individual is standing or walking. Aetiologies of camptocormia are heterogeneous, and Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of its many causes. The prevalence of camptocormia in PD ranges from 3% to 18%. Central and peripheral mechanisms might both contribute to its pathogenesis. Although there is no established consensus for treatment of camptocormia in PD, there are non-pharmacological, pharmacological and surgical approaches that can be used.

Keywords: CLINICAL NEUROLOGY; MOVEMENT DISORDERS; PARKINSON'S DISEASE.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Muscular Atrophy, Spinal / epidemiology
  • Muscular Atrophy, Spinal / etiology*
  • Muscular Atrophy, Spinal / pathology
  • Muscular Atrophy, Spinal / therapy*
  • Parkinson Disease / complications*
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy
  • Spinal Curvatures / epidemiology
  • Spinal Curvatures / etiology*
  • Spinal Curvatures / pathology
  • Spinal Curvatures / therapy*
  • Terminology as Topic

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents

Supplementary concepts

  • Camptocormia