kyphosis
English
[edit]Alternative forms
[edit]Etymology
[edit]From Ancient Greek κυφός (kuphós, “humpback, bent”) + -osis.
Noun
[edit]kyphosis (countable and uncountable, plural kyphoses)
- (anatomy) The normal convex curvature of the spine in the thoracic and sacral regions.
- (pathology) An abnormal convex curvature of the spine in the cervical or lumbar regions of the spine.
- Synonyms: roundback, Kelso's hunchback
Usage notes
[edit]Some degree of kyphosis is normal and non-pathological in the thoracic and sacral regions, so an excessive curvature in either of those regions would be described as hyperkyphosis. However, the cervical and lumbar regions normally exhibit lordosis, or concave curvature, and any kyphosis in those regions would be considered pathological.
Related terms
[edit]Translations
[edit]abnormal curvature of the spine
|
