APPLIED RADIOLOGICAL ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Your cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (low back) form “c-shaped” curves called lordosis. The thoracic vertebrae, as a group, produce a kyphotic curve, or a “reverse c-shaped” curve.

Detailed explanation-2: -Your spine is made up of three segments. When viewed from the side, these segments form three natural curves. The C-shaped curves of the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine) are called lordosis. The reverse C-shaped curve of the chest (thoracic spine) is called kyphosis.

Detailed explanation-3: -Kyphosis refers to the natural curve of the thoracic spine, which normally has a forward curve of 20 to 40 degrees. In fact the thoracic spine’s curve is called kyphotic because of its shape, which is a regular “C” curve with the opening of the C in the front.

Detailed explanation-4: -Throacic kyphosis refers to the excessive forward curvature of the spine in the upper back. When the curvature is greater than 50 degrees, the result is a stooped forward posture. Symptoms can range from mild, requiring no treatment, to severe symptoms that are best treated with surgery.

Detailed explanation-5: -Kyphosis is most common in the thoracic spine, though it can also affect the cervical and lumbar spine.