Biomechanics of the Cervical Spine Flashcards
T/F: there are less muscles in the cervical region than any other?
False (there are more)
What part of the vertebral column is the most mobile?
Cervical
What is the cervical spine’s “job”?
maintain head posture while allowing for a great deal of mobility
T/F: Cervical curve is the least distinct of spinal curves?
T
The part of the spine is considered to have a secondary (compensatory) curve
Cervical
What does the upper cervical spine consist of?
Occiput
Atlas
Axis
What is the most complex region of the axial skeleton?
Upper cervical spine
What are the 2 articulations of the upper cervical spine?
Atlanto-occiptial
Atlanto-axial
T/F: there is no IVD at the articulations of the upper cervical spine?
T
What types of motion are the the Occiput -C1 articulation?
Combined øx -25 degrees
one sided øz - 5
one sided øy - 5
What types of motion are the C1-C2 articulation?
combined øx - 20 degrees
one sided øz -5
one sided øy -40
What are the important muscles in the upper cervicals? (6)
- rectus capitis post. major
- rectus capitis post. minor
- rectus capitis lateralis
- recuts capitis anterior
- sup. oblique
- inf. oblique
What are the stabilizing ligaments of the upper cervicals? (7)
- transverse ligament of atlas
- alar lig
- PLL
- Post. atlanto-occipital membrane
- Ant. atlantooccipital membrane
- ligamentum nuchae
- apical lig
What is the shape of the Superior Articular Process of atlas?
peanut shaped
concave
T/F: The “cuplike” structure at C0/C1 in both the sagittal and frontal planes allows for ALOT of rotation.
F: this allows for little rotation
The shape of the articulation of C0/C1 favors what axis of rotation?
øx (flexion-extension)
X Axis Rotation of the C0/C1:
Flexion is limited by?
Extension is limited by?
What is the Range?
F: post. neck muscular tension
E: subocciptial muscle compression against the occiput
Range: mean value b/w 14-35 degrees
Y Axis Rotation of C0/C1:
limited by?
range?
limited by: - ant. and post. walls of C1 sockets - joint capsule tension - alar lig tension Range: 4-8 degrees (each side)
Lateral flexion under physiological conditions has not been systematically demonstrated and studied of this axis rotation.
Z axis rotation
How is Z axis rotation induced at C0/C1?
One condyle elevates out of its socket, while the other serves as a pivot. Both condyles slide up their walls.
What is the Range of Z axis rotation at C0/C1?
4-11 (induced in cadavers)
What ligament limits z axis rotation of C0/C1?
alar lig
The small amount of z axis rotation that occurs at the C0/C1 is typically associated with some small degree of what?
coupled rotation in the opposite direction, leading to the rotation of the chin away from the side of lateral flexion
What is the shape of C1 inferior articular process?
oval
flat or slightly concave
faces slightly medial
Even though the inferior facets of C1 may be flat or even concave, the configuration of the cartilage creates what type of articulation?
biconvex
X Axis Rotation: C1/C2
Biconvexity: Combined øx = 20 degrees
Increasing the curvature of the dens does what?
increases the amount of øx
What is IAR?
Instant Axis of Rotation: a path that identifies where one body will rotate relative to another body at a given instant in time.
What is the role of C2?
transmit the axial load of the head to the cervical spine and permits lots of Y axis rotation
T/F: at the limits of rotation, the lateral atlanto-axial joints are almost subluxated?
T
What lig restrains Y axis rotation at C1/C2?
Alar lig
What is the Range of y axis rotation at C1/C2?
43 degrees + or - 5.5 degrees
What articulation produces over 50% of the rotation of the neck?
Y axis rotation of C1/C2
Where are intraarticular meniscoid found?
With in the spaces where the surfaces of the articular cartilage diverge anteriorly and posteriorly of C1/C2.
These serve to keep a film of synovial fluid applied to surfaces of the articular cartilage that are not in contact with one another of C1/C2.
intraairticular meniscoids
When are intraarticular meniscoids of C1/C2 displaced?
They are displaced with Y axis rotation and passively return when neutral position is resumed
øy is coupled with y translation at what articulation?
C1/C2
Why is C1/C2 øz limited to 5 degrees?
alar lig and bony anatomy