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kyphosis

kyphosis

1 9.6
A strong forward bend of the upper spine that makes the back rounded
  • noun
  • /kaɪˈfoʊsɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cifosis
  • Loss of vertebral height, the increased likelihood of osteoporosis, and advancing kyphosis may restrict chest expansion.
  • thoracic kyphosis

And what happens often is if you have this sort of kyphosis thing, then your shoulder blade gets tilted like this and sticks out a little bit.

Examples

  • Note abnormal lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis.

    Academic text (2005)
  • And what happens often is if you have this sort of kyphosis thing, then your shoulder blade gets tilted like this and sticks out a little bit.

  • Thoracic kyphosis and a reduction in chest wall mobility can result in ventilation changes.

    Academic text (2012)
  • In straight back syndrome, there is a decrease in antero-posterior chest dimensions due to loss of thoracic kyphosis.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Spinal tuberculosis usually presents with a particular and recognizable set of symptoms including kyphosis, abscess formation, and neurologic deficit.

    Academic text (2007)
  • A thorough physical re-examination revealed a flat back; a lateral chest x-ray confirmed the presence of obliteration of thoracic kyphosis of the spine.

    Academic text (2007)
  • There are three normal curvatures that form the natural "S" shape of the vertebral column: lordosis in the cervical and lumbar regions and kyphosis in the thoracic region.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Vertebral fractures can be responsible for considerable height loss and kyphosis, resulting in associated difficulties including shortness of breath, reduced appetite, and changes in bowel and bladder habits.

    Academic text (2015)
  • The doctor diagnosed her with kyphosis, which explained her hunched posture.

  • He struggles with kyphosis, making it difficult for him to stand up straight.

Synonyms

humpback
vskyphosis
  • Archaic
1 7.5

A curve in the upper spine that makes the back bend and stick out

is the same idea but describes the curve as outward rather than backward
spinal curvature
vskyphosis
  • Specialized
6.4

A bend in the spine that is not normal and can cause pain or health problems

is a specific outward curve causing a hunched upper back not any spinal bend

Surface Forms

kyphosis singular
kyphoses plural

Morphology

kyphosis = kyph + osis

The combining form 'kyph-' is not a standalone English word and the medical suffix '-osis' creates a technical condition term that B1 learners cannot reliably infer from familiar vocabulary.

Etymology

Kyphosis comes from the Greek root kyphos, meaning 'bent' or 'hump'. Think of a small 'hump' on the upper back, like a camel's hump, to remember it. That's why kyphosis means the spine curves outward and makes a hunched or rounded back.