6- Thoracic Spine Flashcards
How does the thoracic spine compare to the rest of the spine? why? What does it contribute?
it is overall stiffer and less mobile because of the ribcage
It adds significantly to the mechanical stability
What is thoracic kyphosis a result of?
lesser anterior height of vertebral body and wedge shape of discs
What is average thoracic kyphosis?
20-40 degrees
Where is the apex of the thoracic kyphosis curve?
T7-8
Which thoracic vertebrae are typical?
T2-T10 (11 and 12 are atypical)
What are the thoracic IVDs like?
narrower and flatter
thoracic IVDs contribute approximately ______ of the length of the thoracic column?
1/6th
How are the nerve roots situated in the thoracic spine? Is this good or bad?
situated behind inferior-posterior aspect of upper VB rather than the disk
Good- decreases risk of root compression
What is significant about the thoracic spinal canal?
relatively narrow (mainly T4-9)
Where is the tension point in the thoracic spine?
T6
How are the thoracic SPs positioned?
first and last 3 are almost horizontal… mid-thorax are long and steeply inclined
Compressive Loading:
T1 endures ______% body weight
T8 endures ______%
T12 endures ______%
T1- 9%
T8- 33%
T12- 47%
Explain the “Thoracic Rule of Threes”
T1-3: SPs level with their own VB
T4-6: SPs are level with IVD
T7-9: SPs in line with lower TPs
T10-12: by T12 in line with TPs
Superior articular facets of the thoracic vertebrae face _______.
Posterior
Lateral
Superior
Inferior articular facets of the thoracic spine face ______.
Anterior
Medial
Inferior
Angle of the facets in the thoracic spine is _____ degrees away from the frontal plane.
20-30
What is different about T12?
transitional vertebra ( superior facets are in the frontal plane, inferior are in the saggital )