Thoracic Spine

Question 1

Decreased pelvic inclination (20°) with a thoracolumbar or thoracic kyphosis

Answer 1

Round Back

Question 2

Kyphotic angle of greater than 40° commonly measured by the Cobb method

Answer 2

Hyperkyphosis

Question 3

Most common structural kyphosis in adolescents but can occur in adults. Its etiology is unknown.

Answer 3

Scheuermann’s disease

Question 4

Localized, sharp, posterior angulation called a gibbus. This kyphotic deformity is usually structural and often results from an anterior wedging of the body of one or two thoracic vertebrae. The wedging may be caused by a fracture, tumor, or bone disease. The pelvic inclination is usually normal (30°).

Answer 4

Hump back

Question 5

Decreased pelvic inclination (20°) with a mobile spine. This kyphotic deformity is similar to round back, except that the thoracic spine remains mobile and is able to compensate throughout its length for the altered center of gravity caused by the decreased pelvic inclination. Therefore, although a kyphosis is or should be present, it does not have the appearance of an excessive kyphotic curve.

Answer 5

Flat Back

Question 6

Results from postmenopausal osteoporosis. Because of the osteoporosis, anterior wedge fractures occur to several vertebrae, usually in the upper to middle thoracic spine, causing a structural scoliosis that also contributes to a decrease in height.

Answer 6

Dowager’s Hump

Question 7

Deformity in which there are one or more lateral curvatures of the lumbar or thoracic spine. In the cervical spine, the condition is called torticollis.

Answer 7

Scoliosis