Back Osteology Flashcards
What is vertebral body osteoporosis
A common metabolic disease that is often detected during routine radiographic studies
What does osteoporosis result from
A net demineralization of the bones caused by a disruption of the normal balance of calcium deposition and resorption
What are the most affected areas due to osteoporosis
Neck of the femur
Bodies of the vertebrae
Metacarpals
Radius
How is osteoporosis observed in radiographic settings
Diminished radiodenisty of the trabecular (spongy) bone of the vertebral bodies, causing the thinned cortical bone to appeas relatively prominent
Where is vertebral body osteoporosis most common
Thoracic vertebra of postmenopausal women
What is a laminectomy
The surgical excision of one or more spinous processes and the adjacent supporting vertebral laminae in a particular region of the vertebral column
Why are laminectomy’s performed (2 reasons)
To gain access to the vertebral canal to provide posterior exposure of the spinal cord and/or roots of specific nerves
Can also be performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by a tumor
Why are cervical vertebrae less tightly packed
Because of their more horizontally oriented articular facets
A radiographic image may not show damage to the spinal cord if what occurs
The dislocation does not result in facet jumping with locking of the displaced articular processes
What is a Jefferson fracture
A rupture of both arches of the Atlas
Does a Jefferson fracture necessarily mean SCI? Why or why not?
No, because the dimensions of the bony ring actually increase. However, if the transverse ligament is ruptured, then SCI can occur
How can a Jefferson fracture occur
A blow to the top of the head by a falling object or a diving accident are the most common
What is the most common injury of the cervical spine
Fractures of the vertebral arch of the axis (hangman’s fracture)
What causes a hangman’s fracture?
Hyperextension of the head on the neck
Fracture of the odontoid process is caused by what
A horizontal blow to the head
What two conditions can occur if the Odontoid Process is fractured
- The OP breaks at the base - usually will not heal
2. The OP breaks inferior to the base - will heal
What is lumbar stenosis
Narrowing of the vertebral column in one or more lumbar
Where is anesthesia placed in a caudal epidural anesthesia
They are injected into the fat of the sacral canal that surrounds the proximal portions of the sacral neves, usually via the sacral hiatus
What is 1.) hemisacralization and 2.) sacralization
- L5 is partly incorporated into the sacrum
2. L5 is completely incorporated into the sacrum
What is lumbarization of the S1 vertebra
S1 is separated from the sacrum and fused with L5
What is spinabifida occulta
The vertebral lamina fail to fuse and close off the vertebral canal. This usually occurs at L5 and S1
What is spinabifida cysrtica
The vertebral arches fail to develop at all, much more severe
Where does the head of each rib articulate
The inferior costal demifcet of the thoracic vertebral segment above the rib number and the superior costal demifacet of the thoracic vertebral segment of the same number
What is spondylosis
A degenerative joint disease which involves calcification of the edges of the vertebral body and can cause localized pain and stiffness
