Kyphosis (redirected from kyphotic)

Kyphosis 

Definition

Kyphosis is the extreme curvature of the upper back also known as a hunchback.

Description

The upper back bone (thoracic region), is normally curved forward. If the curve exceeds 50° it is considered abnormal (kyphotic).

Causes and symptoms

Kyphosis can be divided into three ages of acquisition—birth, old age, and the time in between.

The stress caused by kyphosis produces such symptoms as an increase in musculoskeletal pains, tension headaches, back aches, and joint pains.

Diagnosis

A quick look at the back will usually identify kyphosis. X rays of the spine will confirm the diagnosis and identify its cause.

Treatment

Congenital defects have to be repaired surgically. The procedures are delicate, complicated, and lengthy. Often orthopedic hardware must be placed to stabilize the back bone. At other times, a device called a Milwaukee brace can hold the back in place from the outside. Fitting Milwaukee braces comfortably is difficult because they tend to rub and cause sores.

Kyphosis acquired during the younger years requires treatment directed at the cause, such as medications for tuberculosis. Surgical reconstruction or bracing may also be necessary.

Kyphosis induced by osteoporosis is generally not treated except to prevent further bone softening.

Prognosis

Congenital kyphosis may be alleviated to some extent by surgery and bracing. Kyphosis occurring later in life may worsen over time.

Prevention

Preventing osteoporosis is within the grasp of modern medicine. Menopausal women must start early with estrogen replacement, calcium supplementation, and appropriate exercise. The treatment must continue through the remainder of life. Evidence suggests that a high calcium intake even during younger years delays the onset of symptomatic osteoporosis. Dairy products are the major dietary sources of calcium.

Resources

Organizations

Arthritis Foundation.1300 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309. (800) 283-7800. http://www.arthritis.org.

National Osteoporosis Foundation. 1150 17th St., Suite 500 NW, Washington, DC 20036-4603. (800) 223-9994. http://www.nof.org.

Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases-National Resource Center. 1150 17th S. NW, Ste. 500, Washington, DC 20036. (800) 624-2663.

Key terms

Congenital — Present at birth.

Dwarfism — A congenital disease of bone growth that results in short stature and weak bones.

Orthopedic — Refers to surgery on the supporting structures of the body-bones, joints, ligaments, muscles.

Osteoporosis — A weakening of bones due to calcium loss that affects post-menopausal women.

Scheuermann's disease — Juvenile kyphosis due to damaged bone in the spinal vertebrae.

---

kyphosis /ky·pho·sis/ (ki-fo´sis) abnormally increased convexity in the curvature of the thoracic spine as viewed from the side.kyphot´ic

---

kyphosis dorsa´lis juveni´lis , juvenile kyphosis, Scheuermann's kyphosis osteochondrosis of the vertebrae.

---

ky·pho·sis (k-fss)

n.

Abnormal rearward curvature of the spine, resulting in a protuberant upper back. Also called humpback.

---

ky·photic (-ftk) adj.

---

kyphosis (kī·fōˑ·ss),

n an atypical, exaggerated, backward curve of the thoracic spine caused by tuberculosis of the spine or rickets. Also called
hunchback.

Kyphosis.

---

kyphosis (kīfō´sis),

n (Older term: humpback), an abnormal curvature of the spine with the convexity backward.

---

kyphosis

abnormally increased convexity in the curvature of the thoracic spine as viewed from the side.