Inspection of the thoracic spine

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