Cervical Spine Flashcards
What does the ALL limit?
Extension
What is continuous of the anterior atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial membrane?
Anterior longitudinal ligament
What is continuous of the tectorial ligament?
Posterior longitudinal ligament
What does the tectorial ligament limit?
Forward flexion
What is the function of the PLL?
Keeps disc from moving posteriorly which is why you don’t get a lot of posterior disc displacements in the C/S
What are the upper cervical vertebrae?
C1 and C2
What is the C1 vertebrae called?
Atlas
What is the C2 vertebrae called?
Axis
What are the lower cervical vertebrae?
C3-C7
What is the shape of the atlas facets?
Superior facets - concave
Inferior facets - convex
What is the shape of the occiput?
Convex
Which vertebrae has the dens?
Axis
What plane do the superior facets of the atlas sit in and what do they do?
Horizontal plane - aid in rotation
How are the inferior facets of the atlas oriented?
45* from the horizontal plane
How are the superior and inferior facets of the axis oriented?
Superior - upward and laterally
Inferior - anteriorly
What is the function of the transverse ligament?
Prevents anterior displacement of C1 on C2
What two conditions have decreased integrity of the transverse ligament?
RA and Down syndrome
What is the function of the alar ligament?
Tighten with flexion, limits lateral flexion to the opposite (contralateral) side, and limits rotation to both sides
What is the function of the L alar ligament?
R rotation
How many degrees does the alar ligament allow for rotation?
20*
In which direction is the IV disc thickest in the C/S?
Anteriorly
In which direction is the annulus minimal in the C/S?
Laterally