Back & Spine Injuries Flashcards
What is acute low back sprain/strain
muscles surrounding spine are stretched too far or move in ways that cause small tears
How txt acute low back sprain/strain
AP/lateral xray NSAIDs rest weight loss PT
Where are most disc herniation
L4-S1
What exam for disc herniation
deep tendon reflexes
motor group testing
sensory deficit testing
straight leg raise
What clinical signs of disc herniation
sharp, shooting pain in back
30 - 40 yr old
What is imaging gold standard for disc herniation
MRI can get: MRI myelogram Ct EMG
How txt disc herniation
self-limiting short term bed rest PT chiropractic acupuncture Surgery (last resort)
What is spondylosis
arthritis of spine
What is spondylolysis
fracture (defect) of pars intrarticularis (veterbral body)
What is spondylolisthesis
spondylolysis with vertebrae slipping forward over another
cause narrowing of vertebral canal
What are symptoms of spondylolysis
low back pain with activities that extend spine
How image spondylolysis
oblique xray
MRI
CT
bone
Txt for spondylolysis
rest
bracing ?
PT
What is spondylolisthesis also known as
Scotty dog fracture
What are causes of vertebral compression fractures
osteoporosis
trauma
infection
tumors
How is most likely to get vertebral compression fractures
postmenopausal women
dgx vertebral compression fractures
xray
MRI
Ct
bone scan
txt vertebral compression fractures
immobilization 6-12 wks
surgery
- balloon kyphoplasty
- surgical stabilization
What are types of spine tumors
multiple myeloma
chordoma
osteosarcoma
hemangioma
What are the most common types of metastatic lesions in the spine
lung
breast
prostate
dgx spine tumors
xray
radionuclide bone scan
MRI
CT biopsy
What is spinal stenosis
spinal cord or roots are compressed
clinical signs spinal stenosis
pain tingling weakness radiate into butt and legs worst with standing and walking "grocery cart" sign
spinal stenosis txt
avoid activities or motion NSAIDs/analgesics Epidural steroid injections PT surgery (last resort but best prognosis)
What is a cervical fracture
broken neck of cervical vertibrae
involves muscle sprain, dislocate intervertebral disk, damage to spinal cord
cervical fracture txt
medical emergency
- immobilize
- xray, MRI, TC
- soft collar or surgical stabilization w/ halo
What is cauda equina syndrome
severe compression on cauda equina
medical emergency - need surgery
What causes cauda equina syndrome
tumors/lesions
trauma
spinal stenosis (lumbar)
inflammatory conditions
clinical signs cauda equina syndrome
weakness
saddle-anesthesia (numbness/changes groin)
incontinence
txt cauda equina syndrome
emergent spinal decompression
What is scoliosis
curvature of the spine
scoliosis onset
10-15 yrs
dgx scoliosis
full-spine xrays (PA/lateral)
txt scoliosis
40 degrees = surgical correction
