A study of assessments of camptocormia

Camptocormia (or bent spine syndrome) is defined as abnormal posture, with marked flexion of the thoracolumbar spine, increasing during walking, and disappearing in the supine position. This definition is not so clear, and indeed, there are no consensus criteria for diagnosing camptocormia. Consequently, the prevalence of camptocormia is difficult to determine. More often, the diagnosis is made by subjectively assessing the patient’s posture, but this approach is no more satisfying, because the camptocormia can be overestimated or underestimated.