Cervical Biomechanics

Question 1

What are two other names for the “joints of Luschka” and what do they prevent?

Answer 1

Uncinate processes, uncovertebral joints

Prevent posterolateral disc herniation

Question 2

The superior facets of C3-C7 are positioned ________, ________, and ________.

Answer 2

Backwards, upwards, medial (BUM)

Question 3

Normal vertebral arteries can narrow as much as ________ of their luminal size on the ________ side to cervical rotation.

Answer 3

90%, contralateral

Question 4

The motions of C2-C7 are ________ and the coupling is ________ like.

Answer 4

Flexion-extension, Type II (rotation and side bending are the same)

Question 5

The primary motion of AA is ________ and accounts for the first ________ of this motion.

Answer 5

Rotation, 50%

Question 6

The coupling of OA is ________ like and exhibits this coupling whether neutral or non-neutral.

Answer 6

Type I (rotation and side bending are opposite)

Question 7

What are the three distinct biomechanical areas of the cervical region?

Answer 7

OA (C0-C1), AA (C1-C2), C2-C7

Question 8

Normal physiological motion does not apply to the cervical region due to the ________ of OA and AA, the ________ of the facets of C2-C7, and the ________ of the vertebral bodies, ligamentous attachments, and muscular insertions.

Answer 8

Atypical facets, oblique plane, shape

Question 9

The coupling at the OA joint exhibits type I like motion due to the ________ and the ________.

Answer 9

Lateral atlanto-occipital membrane, morphology of the superior facets of the atlas