Cyrtosis

/sɜrˈtoʊ.sɪs/ noun

Definition

An abnormal curvature or bending of the spine or other body structures, especially a forward curve of the vertebral column.

Etymology

From Greek kyrtos (curved or bent) combined with the medical suffix -osis (abnormal condition). The term has been used in medical literature since the 18th century to describe spinal deformities.

Kelly Says

Cyrtosis and its cousin 'kyphosis' both describe spine curves, but cyrtosis is the older, more general term—it shows how medical terminology evolved from ancient Greek descriptions of bent bodies into precise modern classifications that actually measure the angle of curvature.

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