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Inspection of the thoracic spine

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Deformities of the thoracic spine are both common and important.

Scoliosis:

  • usually develops during adolescence but occasionally appears in early childhood
  • is most easily seen if the patient is asked to lean forward with their hands together

Kyphosis:

  • Scheuermann's disease is associated with an even, rounded kyphosis and is of little significance
  • a sharp kyphosis may indicate the collapse of a vertebra
  • a bump at the apex of a kyphosis is called a gibbus
  • the most common cause of a kyphosis today is a pathological fracture due to a tumour or osteoporosis; in the past the commonest cause was spinal tuberculosis

Lordosis:

  • this may be seen but is rarely a serious problem

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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