Cervical + Thoracic Spine Conditions Flashcards
What is cervical spondylosis?
Age related changes of the cervical spine
What is the triad of cervical spondylosis?
Loss of disc height
Osteophytes
Facet joint OA
What can pressure on nerve roots lead to?
Radiculopathy
What can radiculopathy cause?
Dermatomal sensory symptoms
- pain
- parasthesia
Myotomal motor weakness
What can pressure of the cord lead to?
Myelopathy
What can myelopathy cause?
Global weakness
Gait disturbance
Loss of blader/bowel control
What is a C2 fracture also known as?
Hangman’s fracture
What is the mechanism of a C1 fracture?
Axial loading - hyperextension of head on neck
Which part of the axis tends to fracture?
Pars interarticularis
What displacement occurs in a C1 fracture?
Forward displacement of C1 and body of C2 on C3
What is the mechanism of an odontoid fracture?
Hyperextension
What is the best X-ray view for an odontoid racutre?
Open mouth AP x-ray
What is a C1 fracture also known as?
Jefferson’s fracture
What is the mechanism of a C1 fracture?
Axial loading
What is whiplash?
Forceful hyperextension-hyperflexion injury
What is cervical myelopathy?
Cervical cord compression as the result of spondylosis
What is the presentation of cervical myelopthay?
Progressive disorder
Clumsiness
Loss of fine motor movements
Gait disturbance
What can cause thoracic cord compression?
Fracture of vertebrae
Tumour in canal
What is spondylodiscitis?
Inflammation of vertebrae and intervertebral discs
Who does spondylodiscitis effect?
Immunocompromised
What is the commonest organism of spondylodiscitis?
Staph aureus
