Cervical and thoracic spine manual

Question 1

Flexion limiting factors?

Answer 1

Ligaments:
→ posterior longitudinal ligament
→ flavum
→ interspinous
→ nuchal

IVD:
→ stretched posteriorly, compressed anteriorly

Tension in opp mm:
→ Cx erector spinae

Question 2

Extension limiting factors?

Answer 2

Ligaments:
→ anterior longitudinal ligament

IVD:
→ stretched anteriorly, compressed posteriorly

Approximation of spinous process

Question 3

Lateral flexion limiting factors?

Answer 3

Ligaments:
→ (on opposite side) intertransverse + flavum

IVD:
→ stretched on opposite side, compressed on same side

Approximation of facet joint surfaces on the same side

Question 4

Rotation limiting factors?

Answer 4

IVD:
→ torsional strain in disc

Ligaments:
→ some tension present in all ligaments but particularly flavum and alar ligaments

Question 5

What does Hoffman’s sign test?

Answer 5

• Equivilent to babinski
• Examines integrity of the corticospinal tract
• Indicative of a problem within the cervical spinal cord

Question 6

Negative and positive results for Hoffman’s

Answer 6

Negative: The finger with flex with your action and then return to a relaxed positive

Positive: Rapid adduction of the thumb and flexion of the index finger. This will occur with the speed of a reflex response.