1. Thoracic & Lumbar Spinal Mechanics Flashcards
Describe the body of the thoracic vertebra
medium size
heart shaped
costal facets present
Describe the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebra
long
slope posteroinferiorly
Describe the body of the lumbar vertebra
large
kidney shaped
Describe the spinous processes of the lumbar vertebra
short, broad
What is the rule of 3’s?
Refers to the location of the SPINOUS PROCESS in relation to the TRANSVERSE process in the thoracic spine
Using the rule of 3’s, where is the spinous process located in T1-3?
at the level of the corresponding transverse process
Using the rule of 3’s, where is the spinous process located in T4-6?
at 1/2 a segment below the corresponding transverse process
Using the rule of 3’s, where is the spinous process located in T7-10?
at the level of the transverse process of the vertebra directly below
Using the rule of 3’s, where is the spinous process located in T11?
(uses same rules as T4-6), located at 1/2 a segment below the T11 transverse process
Using the rule of 3’s, where is the spinous process located in T12?
(uses same rules as T1-3), located at the level of the T12 transverse process
What is the superior facet orientation in the cervical vertebra?
BUM
Backward, upward, medial
What is the superior facet orientation in the thoracic vertebra?
BUL
Backward, upward, lateral
What is the superior facet orientation in the lumbar vertebra?
BM
Backward, medial
What are the 6 ligaments of the spine?
- posterior longitudinal l
- ligamentum flavum
- anterior longitudinal l
- interspinous l
- intertransverse l
- supraspinous l
Describe the characteristics, connection points, and function of anterior longitudinal ligament
- strong, broad fibrous band covering and connecting the anterolateral aspects of the vertebral bodies and IV discs
- limits extension
Describe the characteristics, connection points, and function of posterior longitudinal ligament
- narrower, somewhat weaker band running within the vertebral canal along the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies
- resists hyperflexion & prevents posterior herniation of nucleus pulposus
Describe the function of the ligaments flavum
connects laminae of adjacent vertebra
Describe the function of the interspinous ligament
connects adjoining spinous processes
Describe the function of the inter transverse ligaments
connects adjoining transverse processes
Rotators muscle attachment and action
- b/t transverse and spinous processes
- bilateral: extends spine
- unilateral: rotates spine to opposite side
Multifidus muscle action
- Bilateral: extend spine
- Unilateral: flexes spine same side & rotates to opposite
Semispinalis muscle action
- Bilateral: extends spine & stabilize crabiovertebral joint
- unilateral: bends head & spine, rotates spine to opposite
Physiologic barrier
limits of active ROM
Anatomic barrier
limits of motion due to structure & passive ROM
