2. Back Osteology Flashcards

1
Q

What might cause a Jefferson fracture?

A

A blow to the head, or a falling object.

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2
Q

What is a Jefferson fracture?

A

Fracture of both arches of the Atlas

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3
Q

Why doesn’t a Jefferson fracture typically damage the spinal cord?

A

Because the vertebral foramen of the cervical spine is large.

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4
Q

When might a Jefferson fracture (atypically) cause damage to the spinal cord?

A

In the event of damage to the Transverse ligaments (anterior transverse ligament and posterior transverse ligament)

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5
Q

What two places is the axis prone to fracture?

A

The Vertebral arch and the Odontoid process (dens)

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6
Q

What is a Hangman’s Fracture a result of?

A

Result of hyperextension of the Head on the neck (not of the Head and Neck as in whiplash).

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7
Q

Why does the odontoid process break during a horizontal blow to the head, and not the transverse ligament?

A

Because the transverse ligament is stronger than the odontoid process.

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8
Q

Why won’t the odontoid process heal if it breaks at the base?

A

Because the Transverse ligament will hold it away from its blood supply

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9
Q

What is Spina Bifida Occulta?

Where does this usually happen?

What is a common sign?

A

A developmental abnormality in which the Vertebral Lamina fail to fuse and close off the Vertebral Canal.

L5 and S1

Hair over the defect

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10
Q

Why might it require less force to dislocate the cervical vertebrae than other vertebrae?

A

Because the Articulating Facets are more horizontal.

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11
Q

How do we number ribs relative to the thorascic vertebrae?

A

For any given numbered rib (say, the 3rd rib), the head of that rib articulates with the inferior costal facet of the vertebral segment one number higher (T2) and with the superior costal facet of the same number (T3).

In practice, the rib is named for the numbered vertebra below it.

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12
Q

What is spondylosis?

A

Degenerative joint disease which involves calcification of edges of the vertebral body.

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13
Q

What is spondylolysis?

A

Separation of the vertebral arch from the vertebral body (fracture without anterior displacement)

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14
Q

What is spondylolisthesis?

A

Anterior displacement of the vertebral body from the vertebral arch.

Can occur secondary to spondylolysis.

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15
Q

What would one call a narrowed opening of the vertebral foramen?

A

Spinal stenosis

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16
Q

Where is a lumbar puncture performed?

A

L3/L4 or L4/L5 at the level of the illiac crests.

17
Q

Why do physicians perform lumbar punctures in the lumbar spine?

(Besides the name!)

A

Because the spinal cord stops superior to that point, and you can avoid injury to it.

18
Q

What cavity does one pull CSF from in a lumbar puncture?

A

The Lumbar Cistern

19
Q

You’re perfoming a lumbar puncture and you hear a ‘pop.’ What structure did you just puncture?

A

The ligamentum flavum

20
Q

What is Hemisacrilization?

A

Fusion of L5 into the sacrum. Can be partial or complete.

21
Q

What is Lumbarization?

A

When S1 of the sacrum is separated from the sacrum, appearing to be L6. (Congenital defect)

22
Q

What painful disease can follow coccygeal trauma?

A

Coccygodynia