cervical spine assessment

Question 1

weight-bearing in the cervical vertebrae mainly occurs here

Answer 1

facet and uncovertebral joints

Question 2

main ligament of c1-c2 joint holding the dens of c2 against the ant arch of c1

Answer 2

transverse ligament

Question 3

role of the alar ligaments connecting to the dens superiorly

Answer 3

stabilize c1 + c2 during rotation

Question 4

RA may result in this ligament being weakened or ruptured

Answer 4

transverse ligament

Question 5

posterior atlanto-occipital membrane is a continuation of

Answer 5

ligamentum flavum

Question 6

the membrane tectoria is a continuation of

Answer 6

the PLL

Question 7

the anterior atlanto-occipital membrane is a continuation of

Answer 7

ALL

Question 8

The vertebral and internal carotid arteries are stressed primarily by (3)

Answer 8

extension
rotation
traction

Question 9

Rotation and extension of as little as _____ have been shown to significantly decrease vertebral artery blood flow.

Answer 9

20 degrees

Question 10

areas of greatest stress to vertebral artery (4)

Answer 10

entering the transverse process of c6
bony canals of the transverse processes
between c1-c2
between c1-skull

Question 11

the area has the greatest potential for problems with the vertebral artery

Answer 11

c1-skull

Question 12

during lateral bending of the cervical spine, which areas have rotation in the opposite direction?

Answer 12

c0-c2

c7-t1

Question 13

during lateral bending of the cervical spine, which areas have rotation in the same direction?

Answer 13

c2-c7

Question 14

the inferior surface of c1 is convex, and the superior surface of c2 is convex. T or F

Answer 14

True - like 2 footballs sliding over each other

Question 15

innervates the IVD

Answer 15

recurrent meningeal N

Question 16

innervates the facet joints

Answer 16

medial branch of dorsal ramus

Question 17

uncovertebral joints limit…

Answer 17

lateral bending

Question 18

in the cervical spine, nerves are named for the vertebrae….

Answer 18

below

Question 19

subluxation of c1 (atlas) can put pressure on..

Answer 19

the brainstem

Question 20

is cervical stenosis relieved by rest?

Answer 20

Yes, spondylosis and disk herniation are not

Question 21

traction/distraction will decrease symptoms with cervical nerve root lesions, but not with brachial plexus lesions. t or f

Answer 21

True

Question 22

If the patient can rotate 40° to 50°, then it is unlikely that the C1/C2 articulation is at fault. If, however, side flexion occurs early to allow full motion, C1–C2 is probably involved. t or f

Answer 22

True