1/6/2016 Spinal Questions Flashcards
Hofmann ligaments are identified in which regions along the vertebral column?
Cervical - upper thoracic region and lumbar region
Cervical - upper thoracic Hofmann ligaments will attach what structures together?
Dura mater to segments above
What is the highest level known to demonstrate Hofmann ligaments?
C6
What is the proposed function of the cervical - upper thoracic Hofmann ligaments?
Resist caudal movement of the dural sac; resist gravitational forces on the dura and cord
Lumbar Hofmann ligaments will attach what structures together?
Dura mater to lower segmental levels
What is the proposed function of the lumbar Hofmann ligaments?
Resist displacement of the peripheral nerve system in the intervertebral foramen
What is the orientation of the pedicle of a typical lumbar?
Posterior
The pedicle attaches at what location on vertebral body of a typical lumbar?
To the upper third or half of the vertebral body
What ligament attaches to the lamina of a typical lumbar?
Ligamentum Flavum
What joint classification will be associated with the ligamentum flavum attachment?
Fibrous (Amphiarthrosis) Syndesmosis joint
What osseous conditions of lumbar vertebrae facilitate a spinal tap in this region?
Overlap of the Laminae, shingling, diminishes; overlap of spinous processes, Imbrication, diminishes
What is the outline of the vertebral foramen of a typical lumbar vertebra?
Triangular
Which is the greatest diameter of the vertebral foramen of typical lumbars?
Transverse
How does the size of the vertebral foramen differ along the spine?
Cervicals have the greatest size, lumbars next, Thoracis smallest
What part of the peripheral nerve system is present in the lumbar spine?
The conus medullaris is typically present in the vertebral foramina of L2-L4
Beginning with the L1 transverse process, what is the generic direction and relative length of each succeeding lumbar transverse process?
Each transverse process is directed straight lateral and increases in length from L1-L3.
L4 then begins to decrease in length
What are the types of Hofmann ligaments?
Anterior Hofmann ligaments, posterior Hofmann ligaments, lateral Hofmann ligaments and proximal root sleeve ligaments
