2.3. Spine - Degenerative Spinal Problems Flashcards
What are the 2 most common Degenerative Spinal Problems?
- Cervical and Lumbar Spondylosis (Osteoarthritis)
2. Spinal Stenosis
Where do changes occur in Cervical and Lumbar Spondylosis (Osteoarthritis)?
- Facet Joints
- Intervertebral Disks
Note - this is common
What is the concern of Spondylosis (Osteoarthritis) in the Cervical Region?
The Vertebral Artery (passing through the Foramina Transversaria) may get occluded
What do the Facet Joint at the Lumbar Spine allow for?
Flexion and Extension
Note - These are true Synovial Joints
What to the Intervertebral Disks allow for?
Movement between Vertebrae
Note - These are Secondary Cartilaginous Joints
What is the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL) found?
Along the front of the Vertebral Bodies
What is the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (PLL) found?
Along the backs of the Vertebral Bodies - at the front of the Spinal Canal
What is the Ligamentum Flavum located?
Between the Laminae of the Vertebrae
Where are the Interspinous and Supraspinous Ligaments located?
Between the Spinous Processes of the Vertebrae
Where are the Intertransverse Ligaments located?
Between the Transverse Processes of the Vertebrae
How is Spinal Claudication distinguished from Vascular Claudication?
Spinal Claudication is:
- Usually Bilateral
- Sensory Dysaesthesiae
- Possible weakness (Drop foot - tripping)
- Takes several minutes to ease after stopping walking
- Worse walking down hills because the spinal canal becomes smaller in extension - better walkign uphill / riding a bike
What are the 3 forms of Spinal Stenosis?
- Lateral Recess Stenosis
- Central Stenosis
- Foraminal Stenosis
What is the treatment of Lateral Recess Spinal Stenosis?
- Nonoperative
- Nerve Root Injection
- Epidural Injection
- Surgery
What is the treatment of Central Spinal Stenosis?
- Nonoperative
- Epidural Steroid Injection
- Surgery
What is the treatment of Foraminal Steroid Stenosis?
- Nonoperative
- Nerve Root Injection
- Epidural Injection
- Surgery
