Anatomy and Procedures of the Lumbar Spine Flashcards
What occupies the posterior abdominal region?
lumbar vertebrae
How many vertebrae are in the lumbar spine?
5
What are the unique features of the lumbar?
- Transverse processes are smaller than T-spine
- Pars interarticularis – part of lamina between articular processes
What is the part of lamina between articular processes?
pars interarticularis
What is seen on the lateral projection for the lumbar spine?
Intervertevbral Foramen
- 90 degrees
What is seen on the obliques of the lumbar spine?
Zygapophyseal joint
45 degrees
how is the body different in the lumbar
broader
how is the lamina in the lumbar spine
shorter
how is the spinous processes in the lumbar
shorter and broader
how is the transverse process in lumbar spine?
shorter
patient position for AP L-spine
Supine or upright
Anatomy of the lumbar vertebrae?
- body (broader)
- pedicles
- laminae (shorter)
- spinous process (shorter + broader)
- transerve process (shorter)
- superior articulation
- inferior vertebral articulation
essential projections for L spine
- AP
- Lateral
- Lateral (L5-S1)
- AP oblique (RPO) (LPO)
- AP axial lumbosacral (LS) junction and SI joints (Ferguson)
part position for AP L-Spine
MSP centered to midline
Shoulders and hips in same horizontal plane
Arms crossed on chest
Reduce lordosis by flexing hips and knees to place lower back closer to table
How do we reduce lordosis in lumbar spine?
flexing hips and knees to place lower back closer to table
When we bend up the knees in lumbar spine what happens?
It opens up joint space and makes patient more comfortbale
What is CR for AP L-spine
Perpendicular to IR
For lumbarsacral exams what is the CR?
enters patient at iliac crest (L4)
What should be included in AP L-spine?
- articulation of T12, L1
- both SI joints
- L5, S1
What is the CR for lumbar only?
enters patient at 1 1/2 inches above iliac crests (L3)
What is the breathing technique for AP L-spine?
Respiration suspended at end of expiration because of diaphgram
What is the SID for lumbar spine exams?
40 inches
what does the lateral L-spine demonstrate
Intervertebral foramina
patient position for lateral L-spine
Recumbent or upright
Use same as for AP
What is the standard lateral side for lumbar spine?
left lateral lumbar
part position for lateral L spine
true lateral with MCP vertical
Knees flexed and superimposed
Arms, with elbows flexed, at right angle to body
Place radiolucent support under lower spine to place horizontal, if needed
For scoliosis what side would you do for lateral?
right lateral
What is CR for Lateral L-spine?
Perpendicular to IR
Enters patient on MCP at iliac crests (L4)
if spine is not horizontal for the lateral L-spine , what should the degree of angulation be?
horizontal, angle caudad 5 to 8 degrees
More for females
What must be included for lateral L-spine?
- L5, S1 junction
- open up disc space
- intervertebral foramen
This area has a lot of injuries
Lateral L5-S1
