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Thoracic hyperkyphosis

Case contributed by Roberto Schubert
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Known osteoporosis. History of repeated vertebral fractures. Chronic back pain.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female

Thoracic spine

x-ray

Multiple biconcave, wedge-shaped or flat vertebrae of the thoracic and lumbar spine resulting from earlier fractures in severe osteoporosis. Marked increase in the thoracic kyphosis angle.

Case Discussion

Osteoporotic hyper kyphosis in elderly women is sometimes colloquially known as a "dowager's hump" (although men may also get it). A dowager is a widow holding a title or property from her deceased husband.

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