kyphosis /kīfō″sis/ [Gk, kyphos, hunchbacked] , an abnormal condition of the vertebral column, characterized by increased convexity in the curvature of the thoracic spine as viewed from the side. The spinal sagittal contour ordinarily consists of a lordosis in the lumbar and cervical spinal segments that balances the rounding, or the kyphosis, in the thoracic segment. Kyphosis describes this expected rounding but also is used to describe the abnormal condition of the vertebral column. It may be caused by rickets or tuberculosis of the spine. Adolescent kyphosis is usually self-limiting and often undiagnosed, but, if the curvature progresses, there may be moderate back pain. Conservative treatment consists of spine-stretching exercises and sleeping without a pillow, with a board under the mattress. A modified Milwaukee brace may be used for severe kyphosis, and, rarely, spinal fusion may be required. −kyphotic, adj.
