Cervical Vertebral Mechanics

Question 1

where do the cervical nerves exit the spine?

Answer 1

above the vertebral body (e.g. cervical nerve 6 exits between C5 and C6

Question 2

what does the atlas rotate around?

Answer 2

the dens of C2

Question 3

what is the dens of C2 held by?

Answer 3

the transverse alar ligament

Question 4

What vertebra is damaged with hangman’s fracture?

Answer 4

C2 (vertebral arch fracture)

Question 5

what causes hangman’s fracture?

Answer 5

hyperextension

Question 6

an open mouth radiograph displays what?

Answer 6

the dens and the C1 on C2 facet alignment

Question 7

what is the jefferson burst fracture?

Answer 7

fracture of C1

Question 8

what are the atypical articulations of the cervical spine?

Answer 8

the OA and the AA

Question 9

what can be said about the rotation and sidebending of C2-C7?

Answer 9

rotation and sidebending occur in the same direction due to the uncinate processes

Question 10

What is the major motion of the OA joint?

Answer 10

flexion and extension

Question 11

what are the minor motions of the OA joint?

Answer 11

sidebending and rotation

Question 12

What can be said about the sidebending and rotation of the OA joint?

Answer 12

they occur in opposite directions

Question 13

What is the major/primary motion of the AA joint?

Answer 13

rotation (almost NO sidebending flexion, or extension)

Question 14

what is the normal rom degree of flexion of the cervical spine?

Answer 14

45-90 degrees

Question 15

what is the normal ROM of extension of the cervical spine?

Answer 15

45-90 degrees

Question 16

what is the normal ROM degree of rotation of the cervical spine?

Answer 16

70-90 degrees

Question 17

what is the normal ROM degree for sidebending of the cervical spine?

Answer 17

20-45 degrees

Question 18

how is rotation to the left induced in the cervical spine?

Answer 18

anterior pressure to the posterior aspect of the right lateral mass

Question 19

how is rotation to the right induced in the cervical spine?

Answer 19

anterior pressure to the posterior aspect of the left lateral mass

Question 20

translation from the left to the right induces what?

Answer 20

left sidebending

Question 21

translation from the right to left induces what?

Answer 21

right sidebending

Question 22

what is one example of a contraindication of cervical muscle energy?

Answer 22

if there is undiagnosed joint swelling

Question 23

what are 2 examples of absolute contraindications of HVLA technique in the AA joint?

Answer 23

RA and Down’s syndrome

Question 24

what are advanced RA and down’s syndrome associated with?

Answer 24

alar ligament instability

Question 25

What are two examples of absolute contraindications of HVLA in the cervical area?

Answer 25

vertebral artery disease and advanced carotid disease