Cervical & Thoracic Spine, Function, Anatomy & Disorders Flashcards
Describe the characteristic features of cervical vertebrae
X7
Bifid spinous process (except C7)
Transverse foramen: vertebral artery/vein, except C7 = accessory vein
Large vertebral foramen
Small body
Describe the features of the first CV: atlas
C1
Atlanto-occipital joint = 50% total flexion/extension
Atlanto-axial joint = 50% total rotation
No vertebral body
No spinous process
Describe the features of the second CV: axis
C2
Odontoid process/dens
Large spinous process
Den and transverse ligament prevent horizontal displacement of atlas
Which structure prevents horizontal displacement of atlas?
Dens and transverse lig
Outline the characteristic features of C7
Longest spinous process
Not bifid
What is the nuchal ligament?
Thickening of the supraspinous lig
Maintains secondary curvature of C spine
Supports head
Major site of muscle attachment of the neck and trunk
What are the ligaments of the vertebral column?
Anterior lig
Posterior liG
Intraspinous lig
Supraspinous lig
Ligamentum flavum
What are the movements of the C spine?
Flexion/extension, lateral flexion, rotation
Describe the characteristic features of thoracic vertebrae
Small circular foramen
Posterolateral articular processes permit rotation but limit flexion
How does the T spine articulate with the ribs?
Demi-facets on the sides of the body for articulation with head of ribs
Costal facets on transverse process for articulation with tubercle of rib
In general how can the spinal cord be divided anatomically?
Anterior = sensory/motor – light touch, pinprick, pain
Posterior = vibration and proprioception
Central = arms
Lateral = legs
What is cervical spondylosis?
Degenerative osteoarthritis or intervertebral joints in the C spine
Pressure changes across disk = osteophytes
Pressure on nerve roots = radiculopathy (paraestesia, pain, motor weakness)
Pressure on cord = myelopathy (global weakness, gait dysfunction incontinence)
What is a neural level?
last functional level
What is a jefferson’s fracture (C1)?
Fracture of anterior and posterior arches of atlas
By axial load = diving into shallow water
May damage arteries at base of skull
Outline the features of a hangman’s fracture (C2)
Hyperextension of head on neck
Axis fracture though pars interarticularis
Forward displacement of C1 and body of C2 on C3
