Bones & Joints of the Lumbar Vertebral Column, Sacrum and Pelvis

Question 1

What are some features of the lumbar vertebrae

Answer 1

Body (shape and size) LARGEST - kidney shaped
Spine (shape and size) Fairly horizontal and flat
Spinal Canal Triangular
Any other foramina NO
Articular Facets Superior facets face medially; inferior facets face laterally

Question 2

Movements of the Vertebral Column

Answer 2

Flexion/Extension

Extensive in the lumbar vertebral column

Limited in the thoracic vertebral column due to the spines being orientated sharply downwards

Lateral Flexion

Moderate

Rotation

Restricted in the lumbar vertebral column due to the medial and lateral facing articular facets

Allowed in the thoracic spine

Question 3

Intervertebral Discs and Herniation

Answer 3

Intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous structures

The inside of the disc is called the nucleus pulposis, which is contained within a tough layer called the annulus fibrosus

Herniation occurs when the nucleus pulposis protrudes through a weakening in the nucleus pulposis

Two types of herniation:

Posterolateral

Posterior

Posterolateral - presses on a spinal nerve and causes pain in one area

Posterior - presses on the spinal cord and causes pain downstream of the herniation