What is a common finding in patients with kyphosis during examination?

Patients with kyphosis typically exhibit limited chest expansion during examination. This condition involves an abnormal curvature of the spine that can lead to a change in posture, such as a rounded back. This rounded posture often compresses the chest and affects the mechanics of breathing. As a result, individuals with kyphosis may struggle to expand their chest during inhalation, leading to limitations in chest expansion. Reduced chest expansion can result in decreased lung capacity, impairing effective ventilation and potentially leading to respiratory complications over time.

In contrast, prominent shoulder blades and an increased respiratory rate are not characteristic findings specifically linked to kyphosis. Additionally, a symmetric thorax would typically indicate well-functioning respiratory mechanics, which is generally not the case in individuals with significant kyphotic deformity. Thus, the limitation of chest expansion is a crucial clinical observation that can signal the impact of kyphosis on respiratory function.