Clinical - thoracic kyphosis Flashcards
1
Q
what is kyphosis?
A
an excessive curvature of the thoracic spine, causing the back to appear “hunched”
2
Q
why may kyphosis occur in early life?
A
e.g. poor posture, abnormally wedge-shaped shaped vertebrae (Scheuermann’s kyphosis), and fusing of vertebrae during development
3
Q
what is the most common disease that can lead to kyphosis in adults?
A
The most common cause is osteoporosis
4
Q
what is osteoporosis?
A
a condition whereby bone mass is lost (mostly in older people)
5
Q
how does osteoporosis leave the spine?
A
less able to support the weight of the body, thus resulting in characteristic kyphosis
