Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Kyphosis is a late sign of which condition?

1. Old age

2. Osteopenia

3. Osteoporosis

4. Osteoarthritis

The correct answer is: Osteoporosis

Kyphosis is a curvature of the spine characterized by an excessive rounding of the upper back. It is particularly associated with osteoporosis because this condition leads to weakened and reduced bone density, making bones more susceptible to fractures. As osteoporosis progresses, the vertebrae can become so weakened that they collapse, resulting in the hunched posture characteristic of kyphosis. In the context of osteoporosis, kyphosis often develops later in life as a result of multiple vertebral compression fractures. These fractures can occur without significant trauma due to the fragility of the bones affected by osteoporosis. This makes kyphosis a late sign indicative of the advanced effects of untreated or severe osteoporosis, highlighting the importance of bone health monitoring, especially in older adults who are at a higher risk for this condition. While kyphosis can also be seen in conditions like osteopenia or old age, it is most prominently a late sign of osteoporosis due to the direct impact osteoporosis has on vertebral integrity and structure over time.