Cervical And Thoracic Spine Flashcards

0
Q

Neck pain with mobility deficits:

Indicators, tests, interventions

A

Indicators: decreased ROM, unilateral neck pain, referred upper extremity pain; Acute onset Sx Segmental mobility C2-T4 has good intra-rater reliability

Interventions: manipulation cervical/thoracic, stretching, coronation strengthening and endurance exercises
–> thrust + exercise is BETTER than either alone

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1
Q

Neck pain with mobility deficits:

Indicators, tests, interventions

A

Indicators: decreased ROM, unilateral neck pain, referred upper extremity pain

Tests: pain at END RANGE (A/PROM), restricted mobility, upper extremity pain reproduced with provocation of involved cervical segments
–>Segmental mobility C2-T4 has good intra-rater reliability

Interventions: manipulation cervical/thoracic, stretching, coronation strengthening and endurance exercises
–> thrust + exercise is BETTER than either alone

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3
Q

Neck pain with movement coordination impairments

Symptoms, impairments, interventions

A

Symptoms: Neck pain associated with preferred upper extremity pain, symptoms linked to trauma/whiplash; pain >12 weeks (chronic)

Impairments: strength endurance coordination deficits of DNF muscles, neck pain with mid range motion increased at end range, neck/upper extremity pain increased with motion testing, cervical instability

Interventions: coordination strengthening endurance exercises, patient education/counseling, stretching

  • ->CCF endurance and high level str training with elastic band both shown to be effective
  • ->TENS + exercise effective
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3
Q

Cervical spine Canadian fracture rules

A

Age greater than 65, dangerous mechanism of injury, paresthesias in upper extremity

Simple Rear MVA, sitting, walking, delayed onset, negative cervical midline tenderness

Cervical rotation greater than 45°

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4
Q

Neck pain with radiating pain

Symptoms impairments interventions

A

Symptoms: neck pain associated with radiating pain in UE, UE paresthesias

Impairments: (NOTE: See Wainner CPR card) radiating pain reproduced with Sperling’s test and upper limb tension tests, relieved with cervical distraction, may have a upper extremity a sensory strength reflex deficits, Decreased rotation (<60) toward involve side, signs of nerve root compression

Intervention: nerve mobilizations, traction, thoracic mobilization

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5
Q

Clinical prediction row for cervical manipulation for neck pain

A

NDI less than 11.5
Bilateral involvement pattern
Not performing sedentary work more than five hours per day
Feeling better well moving neck
Did not feel worse while extending neck
Diagnosis of spondylosis without radiculopathy

Four or more increased probability of success from 60 to 89%

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6
Q

Cervical spine Canadian fracture rules (stupid canadians)

A

FIRST: Age greater than 65, dangerous mechanism of injury, paresthesias in upper extremity**if Y to ANY need xray
–>Dangerous MOI: Fall >1 m, MVA >100km/hr, rollover/ejection, bicycle/MVA

SECOND: Low risk criteria: Simple Rear MVA, seated in ER, walking, delayed onset Sx, negative cervical midline tendernessif ANY present, assess c-spine ROM:
–>Cervical rotation greater than 45°
if Y no xray if NO xray

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7
Q

Risk factors and level recommendation for neck pain

A

Recommendation level B: consider age greater than 40, coexisting low back pain, long history of neck pain, cycling as regular activity, loss of strength in hands, worrisome attitude, poor quality of life, and less vitality

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8
Q

Clinical prediction rule for thoracic mobilization with neck pain (Cleland 2007)

A
Symptom duration less than 30 days
No symptoms distal to shoulder
Looking up does not aggravate symptoms
FABQ less than 12
Diminished thoracic spine kyphosis
Cervical extension less than 30°

> 3 variables +LR 5.5

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9
Q

Neck pain intervention recommendation levels

A
Cervical mobilization – A
Thiracic mobilization – B
stretching – C 
coronation strengthening endurance- A 
centralization – C
nerve mobilization – B
Traction – B
patient education – A
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10
Q

For indicators to rule out cancer in cervical spine

A

Less than 50 years old
No history of cancer
Improves over one month
No unexplained weight loss

Sensitivity 1.0

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11
Q

Clinical prediction rule for Cervical spine traction

A

Peripheralization with C4-7 mobility testing
Positive shoulder abduction sign (Bakody Sign)
Age greater than 55
Positive nerve tension test
Relief with minimal distraction

Three out of five increased likelihood of success from 44 to 79.2%,
4 out of five increased likelihood to 90.2%

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12
Q

Sensitivity and specificity of sharp-purser test

A

Specificity .96, sensitivity .69

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13
Q

Vertebra basilar vascular insufficiency Symptoms

A

Vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, visual perceptual disturbances, fainting, facial numbness, ataxia, diplopia

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14
Q

Craniocervical flexion test guidelines

A

Five increments: 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 mmHg
Minimize SCM activation and hold tongue on roof of mouth

Abnormal response:
– Unable to generate pressure at least six mmHg
– Unable to hold pressure for 10 seconds
– Superficial neck muscles engage
– Sudden movement of chin
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15
Q

Deep neck flexor endurance test norms

A

Without neck pain – 38.95 seconds, with neck pain– 24.1 seconds

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16
Q

Cervical radiculopathy: Median nerve tension test, Spurling test, distraction test, Valsalva maneuver

And cluster

sensitivity specificity

A

Median: sensitivity .97, specificity .22
Spurling: sensitivity .50 specificity .90
Distraction: sensitivity .44 specificity .90

Cluster with cervical rotation less than 60°: sensitivity .24, specificity .99

Valsalva: sensitivity .22 specificity .94

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17
Q

C-5 nerve root testing and cervical radiculopathy

A

If diminished or absent chance of having cervical radiculopathy increases from 23 to 59%

*Biceps DTR: very specific 95%

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18
Q

Cervical radiculopathy: four variables that determine success of treatment

A

– Ageless and 54 years
– Non-dominant arm affected
– Looking down does not worsen symptoms
– Multimodal treatment

Four out of four increases success to 90.4%

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19
Q

Hoffman 5 item criteria for low probability of cervical injury

A

No midline tenderness, no focal neurologic deficit, normal alertness, no intoxication, no painful distracting injury

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20
Q

Thoracic outlet syndrome test.

Cluster for Sp and Sn

specificity and sensitivity

A

Adson’s vascular test – specificity 1.0 for pain, .894 vascular changes, .89 for paresthesias

Costoclavicular test – specificity 1.0 for pain, .89 for vascular changes .85 parehesias

Median nerve tension test – sensitivity .97, specificity .22

Radial nerve tension test – sensitivity .72, specificity .33

Cluster of two provocative test: sensitivity .90
Cluster of five provocative tests: specificity .84

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21
Q

Thoracic spine critical zone and reasoning

A

T4 through T9

Small diameter spinal canal and reduce blood supply

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22
Q

Subcostal nerve impingement and implications

A

Impingement in the thoracic/lumbar junction may lead to pain in hip region

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23
Q

Signs and symptoms symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis

A

Stiffness greater than 30 minutes duration, improvement in back pain with exercise but not with rest, awakening because of back pain during the second half of night only, alternating buttock pain

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24
Q

Signs and symptoms of T4 syndrome

-Intervention:

A

Headaches, neck pain, upper extremity pain, bilateral stocking glove paresthesias

  • Neurovascular Sx NOT a feature
  • More women affected than men
  • Intervention: mobilization and manipulation of involved segments followed by exercise
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26
Q

First rib test with cervical rotation lateral flexion

A

Cervical spine maximally rotated away from side being tested
Cervical spine then side bent towards tested side
Positive test: blocking of side bending from elevated first rib on site being tested

Good intra/interrater reliability

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27
Q

C-Spine motion

A

C0-1: 10-15 deg F/E, 8 deg SB; minimal rotation
C1-2: 10 deg F/E; 45 deg rotation; minimal/no SB
C3-7: 64 deg F 24 deg E; 40 deg SB and rotation

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28
Q

C-Spine facet orientation, innervation, and % load bearing

A

45 deg to sagittal

  • innervated by dorsal rami
  • bear 9-25% load; if spine arthritic facets may bear 50% of load
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29
Q

Functional ROM needed in c-spine

A

65-70 deg rotation and F/E

  • Tying shoes: 67 deg flexion
  • turning head while driving: 68 deg
  • crossing street 85 deg rotation
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30
Q

C-spine Arthrokinematics:

A
  • upper c-spine: opposite in neutral (type 1) same in non–neutral (type II)
  • Lower c-spine: neutral same, flexion same, extension opposite

**Monograph and texts conflicting: say no proven arthrokinematics

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31
Q

Most common c/t spine spondylosis levels

A

C5-6>C6-7>C3-5>C7-T1

32
Q

Most common radiculopathy levels in c-spine:

A

C6 and C7

33
Q

Cervical stenosis: central vs lateral

A
  • lateral creates radiculopathy type Sx
  • central may result in myelopathy: often subtle Sx, may have neck pain; unsteadiness in gait and clumsiness = early Sx; hand intrinsic wasting also common
  • *consider surgery (fusion) if myelopathy occured
34
Q

Predental space (on xray)

A

atlantodental interval

  • space b/t odontoid and anteiror ring of C1
  • should be 3, suspect transverse ligament rupture
35
Q

Basilar invagination (on xray)

A

McRae’s line: across from foramen magnum: tip of odontoid should be below

Chamberlain’s Line: superior posterior hard palate to foramen magnum: tip of odontoid shouldn’t be >3mm above

McGregor’s line: superior posterior hard palate to most inferior occipital skull; tip of odontoid shouldn’t be >4.5 mm above

36
Q

Head and Neck Medical Screening Questionnaire

A

Designed to determine if patient has serious non-musculoskeletal condition (tumor, VBI, stroke, hemorrhage)
**each question has intent to ask about red flag

37
Q

What to do if patient has high FABQ

A

Consider active vs passive Tx; use + reinforcement, graded rehabilitation

  • refer concurrently if stress, depression, anxiety
  • High FABQ associated with high levels of chronic disability
38
Q

Teardrop fracture:

A

Often complete disruption of disc and ligaments of injury level

  • presents with anterior cord syndrome/complete SCI
  • very severe, often requires surgical stabilization
39
Q

Hangman’s fracture:

A

AKA traumatic spondylolysthesis of axis

  • B C2 pars interarticularis fracture
  • typically no neurologic Sx due to canal enlargement
  • Need (from least to most invasive): Philadelphia collar > reduction with Halo> posterior stabilization
40
Q

Jefferson fracture

A

burst fracture of atlas

  • uncommon, often seen with upper cervical fractures
  • (B) fracture of both anterior and posterior arch of C1
41
Q

Vertical compression fracture

A
  • burst fracture
  • often ligaments intact, but severe bone injury
  • some injuries treated with halo
42
Q

Distractive-flexion fracture:

A

Facets sublux 1st, followed by facet dislocation; if dislocated, must be reduced followed by posterior fusion

43
Q

Compression-extension fracture:

A

EX: downward blow to forehead

-Most often at C6-7 and stable; halo can treat injuries w/o displacement

44
Q

Odontoid fracture:

A
  • waist fractures (type II) healy poorly
  • Type II fractures may union
  • often halo immobilization trialed but if severely displaced need operative management
45
Q

Natural Hx whiplash and Tx

A
  • Often Sx onset 2 days s/p
  • 57% complete recovery in 3 months
  • 8% remain severely affected and loss of work
  • 35% recover partially
  • Max improvement in 1 year typically

TX: goal to reengage normal activities as soon as possible; if mild return to work immediately

  • if more severe 3 weeks rest with NSAIDS (NOT muscle relaxants)
  • collar first few days only, then short arc AROM and PROM first 48 hrs
  • Progress to AROM after 48 hrs
  • after acute pain, progress to isometric strength
  • Modalities: traction, US, manipulation, heat, ice
46
Q

CCF test:

A

Inflate to 20mmHg, increase to 22-30mmHg in 2mmHg increments, holding 10 sec each without superficial contraction; 10 sec rest b/t

NORMAL is 26-30mmHg

47
Q

DNF endurance test

A

supine, lift head 1 in, 40 sec normal in healthy aducts

24 sec in adults with Sx

48
Q

Common VBI Sx and what to do if present

A

VBI Sx: U/L HA/neck pain often suboccipital

  • if hugh suspicion of VBI, don’t passively end range test and refer back to MD
  • Qualities of VBI include “Sharp” pain, neck stiffness but no loss of ROM
49
Q

Cervical spine manipulation CPR: (Tseng et al)

A
  1. (B) Sx
  2. No Sx looking up (cervical ext)
  3. No Sx looking past shoulder
  4. C-Spine extension <14 degrees
    * *3/6 or more increases success to 86%
50
Q

Wainner CPR for Neck pain with Radiating pain

A
  1. C-spine rotation <60 deg involved side
    • Spurling test: (Sen 50% Spec 90%)
  2. ULTTA (Sen 97% Spec 22%)
    • Distraction test (can ONLY perform if UE/Scapular Sx at rest) Sen 44% Spec 90%
      –4/4 Spec 99%
      –3/4 Spec 94%
      (3+ useful, Spec drops 50% if less than 3/4)
51
Q

UMN/Myelopathy Characteristics: (Cook 2010)

A
  1. Gait deviation
    • Hoffmans
  2. Inverted supinator sign
    • babinski’s
  3. Age >45
    - -4/5 +LR: infinite; -LR .91
    - -3/5 +LR 30.9, -LR .81
    - -1/5 +LR 1.4 -LR .18

If + UMN Testing (Hoffmans, Babinski) refer back to MD

52
Q

Interventions for neck pain with radiating pain: Short term prognostic factors for response to Tx (cleland et al):

A
  1. Age t increase Sx
  2. Multimodal tx 50%+ of time

4/4 characteristics, success 90.5% of time 3/4 present success 85.4%

53
Q

Cervical Manipulation for Mechanical Neck Pain (Puentedura 2012)

A
  1. Sx duration <38 days
    • expectation for manipulation
  2. side to side difference in cervical rotation ROM of 10 deg +
  3. Pain with PA testing in middle c-spine

3/4: +LR 13.5 post test probability 90%
4/4: +LR infinite, posttest probability 100%

54
Q

Sharps-Purser test:

A

Assess transverse ligament of C1-2; pt sitting try to translate C2 on C1
(+) if excessive translation of C1 without C2 moving

55
Q

Alar ligament test:

A

patient supine, PT stabilizes C2 with pinch grip SB to C/L side, should feel SP move into thumb
**Test of immediacy, if doesn’t move laxity of alar ligament suspected

56
Q

t-spine referral pattern: facet vs costovertebral/TP vs disc

A
  • Sx typically >1/2 segment above or up to 2.5 segments below
  • Facets: C7-T3: superior angle or interscapular C5-7 also refer here so must differentiate
  • T11-12: I/L iliac crest
  • Costovertebral/TP: directly over joint
  • Disc: no current research: 37% herniated in t-spine asymptomatic
57
Q

t spine flexion impairment causes

A
  • decreased superior facet translation
  • anterior rib rotation
  • vertebral segment motion
  • Most often T3-7
  • may have decreased T-spine kyphosis
  • MOI: may be whiplash (EX: muscle spasm)
58
Q

t spine extension impairment causes

A

Most often C7-T2 and T8-12 due to increased kyphosis

-Degenerative vs traumatic; disc lesions, decreased inferior facet glide

59
Q

Rib impairments and treatment

A

Upper ribs: Cranially subluxed, decreased caudal glide; due to trauma or overuse

Middle/lower ribs: Anterior or posterior subluxation

  • -Correct anterior with SA contraction
  • -Correct posterior with pec major contraction
60
Q

Differential Dx: Descending AAA vs MI vs Angina Vs CAD

A

AAA: unrelenting sudden pain, no change with position

MI: Chest pain, heaviness, nausea

Angina:

  • Stable: increase with exertion, decrease with rest
  • Unstable: unpredictable

CAD CPR: (3/5+ 80% sens/spec): Female 65+/male 55+, known vascular disease, increased Sx with exertion, Sx not reproduced with palpation, Pt assured pain is cardiac in nature

  • *PT secrets:
  • myocarditis and endocarditis don’t produce chest pain but breathlessness with chest tightness
  • Cardiac red flags: chest pain >30 min, SOB, pallor, perspiration, N/V, nonproductive cough, nocturia, skin color changes, early AM pain
61
Q

Differential Dx: Acute pleuritis

A

sharp stabbing pain with exertion, pleural rub on ascultation; can refer to upper traps and interscapular

62
Q

DD: pneumothorax

A

Malaise, sharp chest pain, diminished and rapid pulse, decreased BP, dry cough

63
Q

DD: gallbladder:

A

R upper quadrant, infrascapular, Cholesystitis

  • often fever N/V
  • Sx increase 1-2 hrs after eating
  • Murphy’s sign: palpate R subcostal angle and inhale + if sx increased
64
Q

DD: pancreas

A

Sx at TL junction

65
Q

DD: kidneys

A

Bruising. itching, hyperpigmentation, palness, anemia, eye redness, SOB, tremor, foot drop, weakness, decreased concentration, lethargy, irritability, impaired judgement

  • Costovertebral and flank region
  • Fever, NV, renal colic (ab pain that radiates to genitals)
  • @ risk: patients with prior or current UTI
66
Q

Tumor in t-spine

A

metastatic: primary bone cancers 25:1 ratio
- thoracic level MOST affected by metastatic spinal tumors (breast most common; also prostate, lung, thyroid, kidney, rectum, uterine, cervix
- Characteristics: (Deyo) Age >50, Hx CA (98% specific), unexplained weight loss, failure conservative Tx

67
Q

Ankylosing Spondylosis:

A

3:1 maile to female
onset 15-40 y/o
90% of patients with AS have +HLA-B27 but only 10-20% with HLA-B27 will develop AS (high false +)
S/Sx: Stiffness >30 min in AM, decreased back pain with exercise, not with rest, awakening with back pain during 2nd 1/2 of night, alternating buttock pain
Exam: chest expansion <2.5cm

68
Q

Rib mobilization for Anterior subluxation:

A

Seated AP; I/L arm is across chest with towel on I/L side and fisted hand over towel-diagonal slump (flexion with C/L SB and rotation) cue with SA activation

69
Q

Rib mobilization for posterior subluxation:

A

seated PA; I/L arm across chest, T-spine extension with I/L SB, C/L rotation, pull elbow down and in to activate pectoralis major

70
Q

TE to increase mid thoracic flexion

A

Barrel hug T3-7 cue patient for flexion, C/L SB (weight on I/L hip)

71
Q

TE to increase general mobility of chest wall, t-spine and ribs

A

shoulder circles

72
Q

Mintken CPR-response to CTJ mobilization (thrust/non-thrust) for patients with shoulder pain

A
  1. Painfree shoulder flexion <90 days
  2. no medications used for pain
  3. (-) neer impingement
73
Q

Structural Scoliosis

A

Curves 20 deg: 7x more likely females, typically onset in adolsecence 11-14 y/o

  • Have (+) adam’s forward bend test (rib hump present on convex side)
  • progression depends on iliac epiphysis ossification for grading (Risser classification)
  • The greater the curve at low levels of ossification, generally more chance for progression
74
Q

Scoliosis intervention:

A

-Bracing: only for >20 deg that progress 5 deg over 12 months or any curve >30 deg; NOT for skeletally mature (EX: Risser Type 4); Work 23 hrs/day until skeletally mature

Surgery Indications:

  1. Curves progressed >40 deg in skeletally mature
  2. Curves >30 deg with marked rotation
  3. Double curves >30 deg (Ex: l and t spines)
75
Q

Sympathetic Chain: where is it and S/Sx if dysfunction

A

Lies anteriorly along rib heads and costovertebral joints

  • Tensioned by flexion, C/L rotation and C/L SB
  • Sx and ROM associated with (+) slump test altered after spinal manip tx in mid thoracic spine due to increased segmental mobility
76
Q

What if t-spine AROM side bending is only painful and limited movement?

A

ALWAYS indicates severe extra-articular impairment such as pulmonary or abdominal tumor or spinal neurofibroma

77
Q

Cervical Rotation lateral flexion test:

A

Assesses for presence of elevated first rib in patients with brachialgia
-pt sitting, C/spine rotated passively and maximally away from I/L side and SB maximally (ear towards chest_
(+) when S/B limited–Due to T1 TP being blocked by superiorly subluxed rib