26: C-Spine Mechanics Flashcards
Which C spine vertebrae does not have a body?
C1
Myodural bridge
Connection between rectus capitis posterior major + dura mater
Hangman’s fracture
C2 fracture due to hyperextension
What is torn and fractured in a Hangman’s fracture
Ligaments between C2 and C3, fracture of C2 vertebral arch
Purpose of an open mouth radiograph
Can see back to the anterior spine, visualizing C1 and C2
C2-C7: rotation and sidebending pattern
Rotation and sidebending occur in the same direction - we assume SDs will follow this pattern
Neutral SDs in C2-C7
Very rare, so we assume SD in C2-7 are type II dysfunction
Major motions of the OA (occiput-atlas joint)
Flexion and extension (with other minor motions being sidebending and rotation)
Sidebending and rotation in the OA joint
Occur in opposite directions
Primary motion of the AA joint
Rotation, with almost no sidebending and flexion/extension
C-spine flexion (and also extension) degrees
45-90
C-spine sidebending degrees
45
C-spine rotation degrees
70-90
Some ST cervical contraindications
- Fracture
- Open wound, recent surgical site
- Local infection (bony or soft tissue)
- Coagulopathy
- Neoplasm
Some cervical MET contraindications
- Undiagnosed joint swelling
- Severe osteoporosis
- Neoplasm
- Infection
- Hematoma
- Arthritis
- Fracture
- Ligament disruption
