kyphosis

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kyphosis (ky-foh-sis) n. outward curvature of the spine, which if pathological (excessive) causes hunching of the back. It may result from bad posture and be correctable by backward bending (mobile k.) or it may be congenital or result from such disorders as osteoporosis or ankylosing spondylitis (fixed k.). Treatment depends on the cause, and may include physiotherapy, bracing, and spinal osteotomy and fusion in severe cases. adolescent k. see Scheuermann's disease. See also kyphos, kyphoscoliosis.

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