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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffKyphosis is a forward rounding of your upper back. Some rounding is normal, but the term "kyphosis" usually refers to an exaggerated rounding, more than 50 degrees. This deformity is also called round back or hunchback.
With kyphosis, your spine may look normal, or you may develop a hump. Kyphosis can occur as a result of developmental problems; degenerative diseases, such as arthritis of the spine; osteoporosis with compression fractures of the vertebrae; or trauma to the spine. It can affect all ages.
Mild kyphosis may cause few problems. But severe cases can affect your lungs, nerves, and other tissues and organs, causing pain and other problems. Treatment for kyphosis depends on your age, the cause of the curvature and its effects.
- Kyphosis (roundback) of the spine. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00423&return_link=0. Accessed Jan. 15, 2010.
- Kyphosis. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/178504199-3/939924608/1584/290.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50041-6--cesec146_1870. Accessed Jan. 15, 2010.
- Spiegel DA. The spine. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Kliegman: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/178504199-7/0/1608/1580.html?tocnode=54487234&fromURL=1580.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50680-0--cesec14_12497. Accessed Jan. 15, 2010.
- Kyphoplasty. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00388. Accessed Jan. 15, 2010.
- Thomas MA, et al. Scoliosis and kyphosis. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/178504199-10/939961186/1678/200.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50145-0--cesec17_2442. Accessed Jan. 15, 2010.
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