Clinical Correlates

Question 1

Sprain

Answer 1

injury to ligamentous tissue or ligament attachment to bone due to excessive extension or rotation

Question 2

Strain

Answer 2

common injury due to overly strong contraction, resulting in the stretching/tearing of fibers; typically erector spinae

Question 3

Hangman’s Fracture

Answer 3

fracture of pars interarticularis of C2 (axis) secondary to hyperextension of neck; associated with judicial hanging

Question 4

Type I Dens Fracture

Answer 4

fracture of upper dens, which has a poor prognosis for healing since upper fragmented piece does not have any vascular supply; rare

Question 5

Type II Dens Fracture

Answer 5

fracture of base of dens, which has a poor prognosis for healing since majority of dens does not have any contact with vascular supply; most common & unstable

Question 6

Type III Dens Fracture

Answer 6

fracture of dens through lateral mass of C2, which has the best prognosis for healing since fragmented piece retains some contacts with vascular supply

Question 7

Vertebral Artery Impingement

Answer 7

reduced blood supply to brainstem; occurs with movement at atlantoaxial joint

Question 8

Occipital Neuralgia

Answer 8

irritation of greater & lesser occipital nerves, both of which process sensory info

Question 9

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Answer 9

impingement of brachial plexus & subclavian vessels caused by cervical rib at C7, muscle hypertrophy in upper limbs, or fractured clavicle

Question 10

In which region do herniated intervertebral discs tend to occur?

Answer 10

lumbar region

Question 11

In which direction do herniated intervertebral discs tend to occur?

Answer 11

posterolateral direction due to the posterior longitudinal ligament not being broad–path of least resistance

Question 12

Spondylolysis

Answer 12

broken vertebra from trauma or degenerative disease; creates a “Scottie dog” image on x-ray; common cause of spondylolisthesis

Question 13

Spondylolisthesis

Answer 13

step-off; anterior/ventral displacement of vertebra; common progression from spondylolysis; may be congenital

Question 14

Compression Fracture

Answer 14

collapse of vertebral body from trauma or degenerative disease

Question 15

Osteopenia

Answer 15

process of thinning or decrease in bone mass

Question 16

Osteoporosis

Answer 16

condition characterized by diminished bone density, which ultimately makes bones prone to fracture

Question 17

Scoliosis

Answer 17

excessive lateral curvature of spine

Question 18

Kyphosis

Answer 18

excessive thoracic curvature (convexity)

Question 19

Lordosis

Answer 19

excessive lumbar curvature (concavity)