Kyphosis and Carrying Angle: Prevalence and correlation between anthropometric features

Kyphosis is the spinal curve that causes the top of the back to seem abnormally rounded. Carrying angle can be measured with the upper limb being fully extended. The study aim was determining the mean and correlation between kyphosis and carrying angle with demographic factors in medical students of Guilan University of Medical Sciences.

In this observational study, we assessed asymptomatic young adults in their first three years of enrollment in medical school. The participants had neither current nor a history of spinal or upper arm injuries. Kyphosis and carrying angle were measured by using the Debrunner kyphometer and goniometer, respectively. We also measured anthropometric features such as weight and height.

We studied 217 medical students (M/F= 1.17/1), with a mean age of 21.43±2.06. Kyphosis has a statistically significant negative correlation with height, weight, and carrying angle of both dominant and non-dominant upper limbs. We found kyphosis to be greater in female than in male participants. Carrying angle was greater in the dominant upper limb than the non-dominant upper limb. Dominant upper limb carrying angle was also positively correlated with height and weight.

In asymptomatic young adults with no history of spinal diseases, anthropometric features such as height and weight impact kyphosis angle. It seems that kyphosis is greater in females. Severe changes in kyphosis angle may cause loss of sagittal orientation. We suggest that people at risk of kyphosis be screened in early adulthood to prevent the increase of kyphosis and its subsequent complications.