Kyphosis (from Greek κυφός kyphos, a hump) refers to the normal convex curvature of the spine as it occurs in the thoracic and sacral regions.

Inward concave curving of the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine is called lordosis. The term kyphosis can also be used to describe excessive kyphosis or overcurvature when it is also known as hyperkyphosis. Kyphosis can be called roundback or Kelso's hunchback. It can result from degenerative diseases such as arthritis; developmental problems, most commonly Scheuermann's disease; osteoporosis with compression fractures of the vertebrae, or trauma. A normal thoracic spine extends from the 1st to the 12th vertebra and should have a slight kyphosis ranging from 20° to 45°. When the “roundness” of the upper spine increases past 45° it is called “hyperkyphosis”.

see Scheuermann's kyphosis.

see Thoracic kyphosis.

see Cervical kyphotic deformity