Cervical Spine Pathology and Exam Flashcards
Canadian Cervical Spine Rule Low Risk
- able to sit in the ER
- simple rear-end MVA
- Ambulatory at any time
- delayed onset of pain
- do not have midline cervical spine tenderness
- AROM 45’ cervical rot B
Canadian Cervical Spine Rule-High Risk
need radiograph
>65 years old
-dangerous mechanism of injury
-paraethesias in the extremities
Observation
Forward Head? Protruded shoulders? Head in midline? --lateral shift Are the shoulders level? Normal Spinal Curvature? Posture?
Check for Instability
ALAR ligament Test
test position of C1 and C2 relative to occiput
when you S/B or ROT head, it tightens the alar ligament to make C2 move
–to perform
–fingertips on either side of C2
–S/B head or rotate head right and SP should move left
Positive test=no movement (immediate referral!)
Sharp Purser Test
Checks for instability between C1 and C2 (transverse ligament)
-To perform:
Hold C2 SP in a pincer grip
-Have pt bend head forward
-Hook their forehead with the palm of other hand or with elbow
-Compress two hands to push head straight back towards C2 with head still flexed
Positive test symptoms with flexion, relieved with AP or excessive movement
VBI Testing
Test the integrity of the vertebral artery on the opposite side of the direction that the head is S/B and ROT towards
–Testing position : the pt is supine with head supported off the edge of the plinth, eyes open
To perform VBI testing
- Head is brought into full passive EXT-hold for 10+ sec
- Then, add on head sideband hold for another 10+sec
- Pt is asked how he feels at the end of each step
- check on both sides
Examination Overview for Cervical Spine
Subjective Exam -area and behavior of pain -History Objective Exam -observation -ligamentous stability ---safety concern -VBI testing --safety concern Objective Exam Clear related joints AROM/ROM with OP Neuro Screen PPIVM's PAIVM's Special Tests Palpation
Pain Assessment
Area of Pain -location -referral sites Behavior of Pain -TIme of day -Irritability Numeric Rating Scale Neck Disability Index
Cervical Spine History
Occupation? Typical Positions? Mechanism of Injury? Radiation of pain? Paresthesia? Previous injuries? Aggrivating/relieving factors? Diagnostic imaging? Medications? General health? Sleeping Positions?
History
Headaches?
mouth-breather? occluded nasal breathing?
Pain with laughing, coughing, sneezing?
Swallowing or voice changes?
Vision problems> Dizziness? Faintness? Seizures?
Bilateral symptoms?
Sympathetic symptoms> Bowel/ Bladder function?
Systems Review
**Choice questions that are most relevant to the patient.
History Continued
Systems Review -Unexplained weight loss -evidence of 2-3 nerve root involvement Increasing number of painful regions -visual disturbances -Horner's syndrome--drooping of the eyelid, constriction of the pupil -gradual onset of symptoms
Canadian Cervical Spine Rule
Low Risk
- able to sit in the ER
- simple rear-end MVA
- ambulatory at any time
- Delayed onset of pain
- Do NOT have midline cervical spine tenderness
- AROM 45’ cervical rot B
VBI Testing Positive Signs
Dizziness Nystagmus Slurring of speech blurred vision Unconsciousness nausea numbness -Positive Signs-condraindication to traction or mobilization -Proceed in examination with caution-referral to physician may be required.
VBI testing
To differentiate between dizziness related to VBI insufficiency or vestibular problem:
- with patient sitting/standing, hold the pt’s head still and have them rotate their body
- If dizziness still occurs, it is probably a vascular problem and not a vestibular problem
AROM
Flexion (45-50') -mouth should be closed Extension (85') -mouth should be relaxed Side-bending (40') Capsular Pattern ROT=SB>EXT>FL (full) Perform movement, apply overpressure if no pain If pain is not reproduced, consider combined motion testing
AROM
Differentiate between upper and lower C/S (see following slides for pictures) If no pain, apply overpressure:
- Upper C/S flexion
- Lower C/S flexion
- Combined C/S Flexion
- Upper C/S Extension
- Lower C/S Extension
- Combined C/S Extension
C/S Flexion
Upper c/s flexion
chin retraction with slight head nod
Lower C/S Flexion
Retract the Chin and bend whole head forward
Upper C/S Extension
Chin protraction with slight upward head nod
Lower C/S Extension
Retract chin and bend entire head backwards