C spine Flashcards
which cervical vertebrae is the atlas and axis, respectively?
atlas - C1
axis - C2
on which cervical vertebrae is the dens located?
axis (c2)
which structure connects c1 and c2 and is responsible for atlantoaxial instability, when injured?
transverse atlantal ligament
when evaluating for potential stenosis of the c-spine , what is the Torg ratio?
diameter of the space available for the cord and dividing it by the AP dimension of the vertebral body
what Torg ratio is concerning for stenosis?
< 0.8
what is the typical MOI of a burner or stinger?
hyperextension of the head with lateral deviation
after a burner or stinger injury, what type of cervical spine XR should be ordered ? why?
flexion/extension views - rule out instability
t/f after a burner or stinger, an athlete is allowed to return to play when ROM, strength, and sensation are normal
true
testing finger interossei strength tests for function of which nerve root?
c8
hyperreflexia is what type of motor neuron sign?
upper motor neuron sign
t/f the torg ratio compares the space from the back of the vertebral body to the spinolaminar line with the width of the vertebral body
true
which injury is characterized by the spinal cord between the superior spinolaminar line and the superior aspect of the posterior lower vertebral body being pinched with the cervical spine in flexion?
transient quadriparesis
t/f compression and rotation of the cervical disc causes the annulus to tear
true
the articulation between the dens and the atlas accounts for what percentage of cervical rotation?
10%
what is a jefferson fracture?
traumatic fracture of c1 (atlas)
what is the MOI of Jefferson fracture?
axial load
what is the definitive treatment for C1/C2 fractures?
referral to spine surgeon
what is a Hangman’s fracture?
traumatic spondylolisthesis of C2 (fracture through the neural arch of C2 between the superior and inferior facets
what type of C-spine fracture involves fracture of the vertebral body in coronal and sagittal planes?
burst fracture
how many mm of difference in vertebral body height compared to another vertebral body would indicate possible fracture?
> 3mm
t/f helmets should be removed on the field during a c spine injury
false
which artery of the spinal cord can become compressed because of a burst fracture with dislocated bony fragments in the spinal canal?
burst fracture
the anterior spinal artery supplies blood to what portion of the spinal cord?
anterior 2/3
what mm measurement of displacement of a posterior vertebral line of one vertebral body compared to another will indicate instability?
> 3.5mm
