Kyphosis (from Greek κυφός
kyphos, a hump) refers to the abnormally excessive convex
kyphotic curvature of the spine as it occurs in the
thoracic and
sacral regions. (Inward concave curving of the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine is called
lordosis.) Kyphosis can be called
roundback or
Kelso's hunchback. It can result from degenerative diseases such as
arthritis; developmental problems, most commonly
Scheuermann's disease;
osteoporosis with
compression fractures of the
vertebra;
Multiple myeloma or trauma. A normal thoracic spine extends from the 1st to the 12th vertebra and should have a slight kyphotic angle, ranging from 20° to 45°. When the "roundness" of the upper spine increases past 45° it is called kyphosis or "hyperkyphosis". Scheuermann's kyphosis is the most classic form of hyperkyphosis and is the result of wedged vertebrae that develop during adolescence. The cause is not currently known and the condition appears to be multifactorial and is seen more frequently in males than females.