Which statement best describes kyphosis?

• A. Exaggerated posterior curvature of the thoracic spine
• B. Exaggerated anterior curvature of the lumbar spine
• C. Lateral curvature of the spine
• D. Forward slippage of a vertebra

Answer: (A)

Kyphosis is an excessive posterior curvature of the spine, most evident in the thoracic region. The statement that describes kyphosis captures this backward bend of the upper back, going beyond the normal thoracic curve. In contrast, an exaggerated anterior curvature of the lumbar spine is lumbar lordosis; a sideways (lateral) curvature is scoliosis; and forward slippage of a vertebra is spondylolisthesis.