Orthopaedics · Musculoskeletal System · Hard

Kyphosis

Meaning: An excessive outward curve of the upper spine, causing a hunched back.

In practice: Kyphosis can result from osteoporosis in older adults.

Word parts

  • -osis means an abnormal condition or process

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Quick check

Two questions on related orthopaedics words.

Which word means: Healing of a fractured bone in an abnormal position, leaving deformity or altered function.

Which word means: An excessive inward curve of the lower spine.

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Related words

More orthopaedics terms · All medical words