Pronunciation: [ɡˈɪbəs] (IPA) 
The word "gibbus" is spelled with two consonants and two vowels, and its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈɡɪbʌs/. The first syllable is pronounced with a hard "g" sound, followed by a short "i" sound and a voiced "b". The second syllable has a short "u" sound and ends with an unvoiced "s". "Gibbus" is a medical term referring to a hump or curvature of the spine, often caused by conditions such as tuberculosis or osteoporosis.
‘Gibbus’ is a medical term derived from Latin, primarily used in the field of orthopedics and spinal pathology. It refers to a specific abnormal spinal deformity characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, specifically in the thoracic region.
The term ‘gibbus’ commonly describes a pronounced hump that can develop on the back due to an excessive forward curvature of the thoracic vertebrae. This condition can manifest as a rigid hump or a bulge, giving the appearance of a rounded prominence on the upper back. The gibbus deformity is often associated with various spinal conditions, such as tuberculosis of the spine (Pott's disease) or congenital kyphosis.
The gibbus primarily results from the collapse or wedging of several adjacent vertebrae. The affected thoracic vertebrae can become misshapen due to bone erosion, destruction, or compression fractures. This aberrant curvature can lead to reduced spinal flexibility, discomfort, and visible physical deformity.
Diagnosis of gibbus is usually made through a thorough physical examination, medical history review, and the use of imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to confirm the presence of a curved deformity in the thoracic spine.
Treatment of gibbus deformity is determined by the underlying cause and severity of the condition. It may involve medical management, such as medication or physical therapy, to relieve pain and improve spinal function. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the deformity and restore alignment to the spine.
A hump, a hunch; the projection in angular deformity of the spine; the deformity of Pott's disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "gibbus" has Latin origins. It comes from the Latin term "gibbus", which means "hump" or "a rounded swelling". The Latin word itself has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European *gheibh-, which means "curve" or "bend". The term "gibbus" is often used in medical contexts to refer to a hump or curvature, particularly when describing conditions like kyphosis, where there is an abnormal convex curvature of the spine.
