Which of the following is a congenital postural deformity?

• A. Kyphosis - congenital
• B. Scoliosis - congenital or acquired
• C. Excessive lordosis
• D. Windswept position

Answer: (A)

Distinguishing congenital spinal deformities from functional postural problems helps answer this. A congenital kyphosis is caused by a vertebral abnormality present at birth, such as a malformed or wedged vertebra, which creates a fixed forward curvature of the spine and alters posture from early life. That makes it a congenital deformity that directly affects posture.

Scoliosis can be congenital or acquired, so labeling it as inherently congenital isn’t specific to a birth defect. Excessive lordosis is often a postural or flexible issue tied to muscle balance or habits rather than a birth-related structural defect. Windswept position describes leg alignment issues rather than a spinal congenital condition.

So a kyphosis that is present from birth best fits the idea of a congenital postural deformity.