kyphosis
/kai'fousis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An abnormal backward curve to the vertebral column: A medical condition characterized by an excessive outward curvature of the thoracic spine, resulting in a rounded or hunched back.
Usage
- Medical/Clinical Context: The term is used almost exclusively in medical, anatomical, and clinical settings to describe a specific postural deformity of the spine.
- Formal/Technical Writing: It is appropriate for formal reports, academic papers, and patient documentation.
Examples
- Noun:
- The X-ray confirmed a diagnosis of kyphosis in the patient's upper back.
- Severe kyphosis can sometimes lead to breathing difficulties.
- Postural kyphosis is often caused by slouching and can be improved with exercise.
Advanced Usage
- "Scheuermann's kyphosis": A specific type of structural kyphosis that occurs during adolescence.
- Unlike postural kyphosis, Scheuermann's kyphosis involves a structural deformity of the vertebrae.
- "Thoracic kyphosis": Specifies the curvature is in the thoracic (upper and mid-back) region, which is its most common location.
- A certain degree of thoracic kyphosis is normal, but it becomes a medical concern when the curve is excessive.
Variants and Related Words
- Kyphotic (adj): Describing or relating to kyphosis.
- The doctor noted a kyphotic posture in the elderly patient.
- Hyperkyphosis (n): A more severe or pronounced form of kyphosis.
- Hyperkyphosis is often associated with osteoporosis in older adults.
Synonyms
- Hunchback: A non-medical, sometimes considered outdated or impolite, term for a pronounced kyphosis.
- Dowager's hump: A colloquial term specifically for kyphosis caused by osteoporosis.
- Roundback: A descriptive, less technical term.
Antonyms
- Lordosis: An abnormal inward curvature of the spine, typically in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) region.
- Scoliosis: An abnormal lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine.
Noun
- an abnormal backward curve to the vertebral column