3. Back - Arthrology

Question 1

__________, or ________ injury is common is automobile accidents and results in excessive stretching and even tearing of the __________. A recoil effect can often result in a hyperflexion injury as well.

Answer 1

• Hyperextension
• “whiplash”
• Anterior Longitudinal L.

Question 2

The __________ is important due to its possible splinting action that should be used whenever fracture of the vertebral column is suspected (except cervical fractures due to hyperextension). When a fracture of the vertebral column occurs, the patient should be kept in hyperextension at all times. The pull of the ____________ will help realign fragments of bone and keep further injury to the spinal cord from occurring.

Answer 2

• Anterior Longitudinal L.

- Anterior Longitudinal L.

Question 3

Herniation of the Nucleus Pulposus through the Annulus Fibrosis is a common cause of low back and lower limb pain. Herniation typically occurs __________ where the Annulus Fibrosis receives no support from the Anterior and Posterior Longitudinal Ls. The Resultant bulge and compress Spinal Nerve Roots, the Cauda Equina and Spinal Nerves in the Vertebral Canal and Intervertebral Foramina respectively. Herniation is most common at ____ and ____, where the Discs are much larger and therefore more mobile.

Answer 3

• Posterolaterally
• L4/5
• L5/S1

Question 4

For the cervical and lumbar regions, the vertebral level at which the prolapse occurs will affect the spinal nerve with the ______ number designation.

Answer 4

Second Number Rule

Example: A prolapse at C5/6 will affect spinal nerve 6 (which exits the column at C5/6). In the Cervical Region this is because the numbering system of Spinal Nerves in the Cervical Region (C1 Spinal Nerve coming out above C1 Vertebra and C2 Spinal Nerve coming out below C1 vertebra, resulting in 8 Cervical Spinal Nerves). However a prolapse at L4/5 will affect spinal nerve 5 (which exits at L5/S1). This is because lumbar spinal nerves exit the Vertebral Canal superior to the Intervertebral Disc, therefore herniation will not affect the nerve exiting at that level, but will affect the nerve one level inferior.

Question 5

At the Cervical Intervertebral Joint the joint between the ________ of the inferior Vertebra and ____________ of the superior Vertebra is described as an Uncovertebral Joint (of Luschka).

Answer 5

• Uncinate Process
• Beveled inferior surface

It is unclear whether this joint should be classified as Synovial.