Back Osteology

Question 1

Jefferson (burst) Fx

Answer 1

blow to top of head from falling object or diving accident
Fx of both arches of atlas
if transverse L. of atlas ruptures, odontoid process may cause SCI

Question 2

Hangman’s Fx

Answer 2

hyperextension of head ON the neck (vs. head AND neck as in whiplash)
traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis

Question 3

odontoid process Fx

Answer 3

horizontal blow to the head
transverse L. of atlas is stronger than odontoid process
Fx at base usually does not heal because transverse L. of atlas holds odontoid process away from blood supply

Question 4

spina bifida occulta

Answer 4

vertebral lamina fail to fuse and close off vertebral canal

commonly occurs at L5 and S1

Question 5

spina bifida cystica

Answer 5

involvement of neural tissue and meninges

Question 6

typical cervical vertebra

Answer 6

C3-C6

Question 7

atlas

Answer 7

C1

Question 8

axis

Answer 8

C2

Question 9

vertebra prominens

Answer 9

C7 spinous process is long and well pronounced

Question 10

cervical vertebra dislocation

Answer 10

requires less force than other vertebrae since the articulating facets are more horizontal
SCI usually does not occur due to large vertebral foramen

Question 11

head of each rib articulates with

Answer 11

inferior costal facet of thoracic vertebral segment above the rib number
superior costal facet of thoracic vertebral segment of the same rib number

Question 12

spondylosis

Answer 12

degenerative joint disease which involves calcification of edges of vertebral body
localized pain and stiffness

Question 13

spondylolysis

Answer 13

separation of the vertebra arch from the vertebral body

Question 14

spondylolisthesis

Answer 14

anterior displacement of the vertebral body on the inferior vertebral segment
can occur secondary to spondylolysis

Question 15

typical ribs

Answer 15

3rd through 9th

Question 16

costal groove of rib houses

Answer 16

intercostal nerve and vessels

Question 17

groove on posterior arch of atlas houses

Answer 17

vertebral artery

Question 18

transverse foramen C6-C1 transmits

Answer 18

vertebral artery

Question 19

lumbar vertebral foramen transmits

Answer 19

SC, conus medullaris, and cauda equina

Question 20

sacralization of the L5 vertebra

Answer 20

partial or complete incorporation of the L5 vertebral segment into the sacrum

Question 21

lumbarization of the S1 vertebra

Answer 21

separation of the S1 vertebra from the sacrum

Question 22

median sacral crest represents fused

Answer 22

spinous processes

Question 23

medial (intermediate) sacral crest represents fused

Answer 23

articulating processes

Question 24

lateral sacral crest represents fused

Answer 24

transverse processes

Question 25

posterior (dorsal) sacral foramina transmits

Answer 25

posterior ramus of sacral spinal nerves

Question 26

transverse lines on ventral surface of sacrum represents fused

Answer 26

sacral vertebra (4 lines)

Question 27

anterior sacral foramina transmits

Answer 27

anterior ramus of sacral spinal nerves

Question 28

sacral canal represents fused

Answer 28

sacral foramina

Question 29

sacral canal transmits

Answer 29

cauda equina

Question 30

coccyx description

Answer 30

3-5 fused vertebrae, embryological remnant

Question 31

coccyx injuries

Answer 31

abrupt fall on lower back or difficult childbirth can result
bruising, dislocation, or Fx
coccygodynia

Question 32

primary curvatures of the spine

Answer 32

thoracic and sacral kyphoses

Question 33

secondary curvatures of the spine

Answer 33

cervical and lumbar lordoses

Question 34

kyphosis

Answer 34

“hump-back”

exaggerated curving of thoracic vertebral column

Question 35

lordosis

Answer 35

“sway-back”

exaggerated curving of lumbar vertebral column

Question 36

scoliosis

Answer 36

lateral curving of the spine, either to the right or the left