Clinical Back

Question 1

Laminectomy

Answer 1

Surgical excision of one or more spinous processes and their supporting laminae. Provide access to the vertebral canal to relieve pressure on the spinal chord or nerve roots.

Question 2

Spina Bifida

Answer 2

Laminae of L5 and/or S1 fail to develop normally and fuse. No back problems.

Question 3

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Answer 3

Narrow vertebral foramen in one or more lumbar vertebrae. Can cause compression of one or more of the spinal nerve roots occupying the vertebral canal. May need a laminectomy.

Question 4

Herniation of Nucleus Pulposus

Answer 4

• Cause of Lower back and lower limb pain.
• Localized back pain of a herniated disks results from pressure on the longitudinal ligaments
• Chronic pain results from the spinal nerve roots being compressed by the herniated disks
• Posteriolateral herniation is most common

Question 5

Rupture of Transverse ligament of Atlas

Answer 5

• Dens is released
• When complete dislocation occurs, the dens can be driven into the upper cervical reigon of the spine causing quadriplegia or death from puncture of the medulla

Question 6

Rupture of Alar Ligaments

Answer 6

• From flexion and rotation of the head

- Results in an increase of approximately 30% in rage of movement

Question 7

Aging of IV disks

Answer 7

• Loss of fluid

- Increase in diameter

Question 8

Injury and Disease of Zygapophysial Joints

Answer 8

Pain and spasm, nerves exit as the superior level

Question 9

Vertebral Body Osteoporosis

Answer 9

Demineralization of the bones caused by a disruption of the normal balance of calcium deposition and reabsorption

Question 10

Back Pain Causes (4)

Answer 10

-Fibroskeletal structures: periosteum, ligaments and annulus fibrosis of IV disks