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1. An anteriorly concave curvature of the vertebral column; the normal kyphoses of the thoracic and sacral regions are retained portions of the primary curvature (k.) of the vertebral column. 2. A forward (flexion) curvature of the spine; the thoracic spine normally has a mild k.; excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine may represent a pathologic condition. [G. k., hump-back, fr. kyphos, bent, hump-backed]
- juvenile k. SYN: Scheuermann disease.
- sacral k. [TA] the normal, anteriorly concave curvature of the sacrum (sacral segment of the vertebral column), in which the primary curvature of the fetal embryo is maintained into maturity. SYN: k. sacralis TA] [TA].
- k. sacralis TA] [TA] SYN: sacral k..
- thoracic k. [TA] the normal, anteriorly concave curvature of the thoracic segment of the vertebral column, in which the primary curvature of the fetal embryo is maintained into maturity. SYN: k. thoracica [TA].
- k. thoracica [TA] SYN: thoracic k..
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ky·pho·sis kī-'fō-səs n, pl -pho·ses -.sēz exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic region of the spinal column resulting in a rounded upper back compare LORDOSIS, SCOLIOSIS
ky·phot·ic -'fät-ik adj
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n.
excessive outward curvature of the spine, causing hunching of the back. This results in marked convexity when viewed from the side. A mobile kyphosis may be caused by bad posture or muscle weakness or may develop to compensate for another condition, such as hip deformity. A fixed kyphosis may result from collapse of the vertebrae (as in senile osteoporosis), from osteochondritis in the young, or from ankylosing spondylitis. Lesser degrees of fixed kyphosis may be balanced by lordosis (inward curvature) in another part of the spine. Treatment depends on the cause, and may include physiotherapy, bracing, and spinal osteotomy in severe cases. See also kyphos, kyphoscoliosis.
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ky·pho·sis (ki-foґsis) [Gr. kyphōsis humpback] 1. an area of the vertebral column that is convex. 2. abnormally increased convexity in the curvature of the thoracic vertebral column as viewed from the side. Cf. lordosis and scoliosis.
Thoracic kyphosis secondary to osteochondrosis; the patient is partially compensating with increased lumbar lordosis.
Medical dictionary. 2011.