kyphosis

pathology

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July 23, 2026

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Kyphosis, commonly known as roundback, humpback, or hunchback, is an exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic (upper) region of the spine. This condition is a type of spinal deviation, alongside scoliosis (sideways curvature) and lordosis (inward curvature of the lower back).12

Kyphosis can result from various factors, including congenital malformations of the spine, the development of wedge-shaped vertebrae during adolescence (Scheuermann disease), or other conditions such as osteoporosis or tuberculous spondylitis (Pott disease). The term "kyphosis" originates from the Greek word "kyphos," meaning humpbacked.12

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curvature of the spine
Kyphosis, commonly called roundback, humpback, or hunchback, is an increased curvature of the thoracic (upper) vertebral column; it may be caused by congenital malformation of the vertebral column, by the development of wedge-shaped vertebrae during adolescence (Scheuermann disease), or by other conditions such as osteoporosis…
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Kyphosis, commonly called roundback, humpback, or hunchback, is an increased curvature of the thoracic (upper) vertebral column; it may be caused by congenital malformation of the vertebral column, by the development of wedge-shaped vertebrae during adolescence (Scheuermann disease), or by other conditions such as osteoporosis…
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vertebral column
include scoliosis, lordosis, and kyphosis, which are deviations from the normal spinal curvature; degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis and Baastrup disease (kissing spine syndrome); and tuberculosis of the spine (Pott disease), which is caused by infection of the vertebral column by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
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include scoliosis, lordosis, and kyphosis, which are deviations from the normal spinal curvature; degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis and Baastrup disease (kissing spine syndrome); and tuberculosis of the spine (Pott disease), which is caused by infection of the vertebral column by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
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