Kyphosis is a medical condition characterized by an exaggerated, abnormal forward curvature of the spine. It can manifest in various sections of the spine, ranging from the cervical spine (neck) to the thoracic spine (upper back), and down to the lumbar spine (lower back). While kyphosis typically develops in the thoracic spine, it can also occur in the cervical and lumbar regions. This condition can lead to sagittal imbalance or improper alignment in the front-to-back direction of the spine.
Post-traumatic kyphosis can arise from various causes, including trauma to the lower lumbar or cervical spine. It may also be a consequence of neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, or polio. In rare instances, excessive kyphosis can result from spinal bone tumors or soft-tissue tumors, and it can also occur after spine surgery.
The condition, sometimes referred to as hyperkyphosis, is characterized by an abnormal rounding or curving of the vertebrae, affecting posture. People with kyphosis may appear to be slouching or have a hunched back. This curvature can result from trauma, degenerative diseases, developmental problems, infections, endocrine diseases, birth defects, spinal tumors, and more.
The normal spine naturally has curves ranging from 20 to 50 degrees in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions. Kyphosis occurs when these curves become more pronounced, resulting in an abnormally convex (bowed out) shape.
HSS – Post-Traumatic Kyphosis
HSS – Kyphosis Overview
Columbia Neurosurgery – Kyphosis
HSS News – Thoracic Kyphosis
UConn Health – Kyphosis
UC Davis Health – Kyphosis
CHOP – Kyphosis
HSS – Kyphosis Conditions
