Which postural deviation is listed under thoracic level postural deviations and contractures?

• A. Kyphoscoliosis
• B. Hyperlordosis of the thoracic spine
• C. Shoulder girdle weakness
• D. Backward head posture

Answer: (A)

Thoracic-level postural deviations commonly involve a forward-curved, rounded upper back along with sideways curvature, caused by muscle imbalance and fixed contractures in the thoracic region. Kyphoscoliosis embodies both of these changes—a kyphotic (forward-bent) spine with a lateral curvature—so it sits squarely as a thoracic-level postural deviation and contracture. The thoracic spine is normally kyphotic, so an exaggerated or combined deformity at this level fits this category.

The other options don’t fit as well. Hyperlordosis of the thoracic spine would imply an unusual inward bend in a region that is typically outwardly curved (kyphotic), which isn’t characteristic of thoracic postural deviations. Shoulder girdle weakness describes a muscular deficit rather than a fixed spinal posture, and backward head posture is a cervical/postural issue rather than thoracic.