Clinical Correlates Superficial/Deep Back

Question 1

Aortic Aneurysm

Answer 1

Aortic Arch Swollen at T2

Question 2

Slipped Disk

Answer 2

trauma to annulus fibrosis such that nucleus pulposus comes out and presses against nerve root
posterior longitudinal ligament is weaker/smaller so presses into vertebral foramen onto root

Question 3

Joint Pain

Answer 3

Hilton’s Law – nerve that crosses joints, innervates joints

Question 4

Whiplash

Answer 4

strained/torn anterior longitudinal ligament

Question 5

Climbing Muscles

Answer 5

Latissimus Dorsi

Question 6

Lung Sounds

Answer 6

Triangle of Ausculation

Question 7

Hernia (retroperitoneal)

Answer 7

Triangle of Petit

bounded by latissimus doors, external abdominal oblique, iliac crest

Question 8

Back Strain

Answer 8

microtears in multifidus and erector spinae

Question 9

Atherosclerosis

Answer 9

Sub occipital Triangle, deep headache, vertebral artery/suboccipital nerve C1

Question 10

What is done to treat spinal stenosis?

Answer 10

Laminectomy–removal of the lamina of spine or bone spurs, damaged disks. Used to make more room for your spinal nerve and column

Question 11

Lumbar spinal stenosis and what are its implications

Answer 11

Affects vertebral bodies, intervertebral disks of low back.
disk lose water content, shrink, and spurs appear
ligaments thicken
narrowing of spinal canal where nerves travel
– pain, numbness, tingling, weakness of legs that is better sitting or leaning forward

Question 12

Hangman’s fracture

Answer 12

aka traumatic spondylolisthesis of axis
fracture that involves the pars interarticularis of C2 on both sides
result of : hyperextension and distraction
one of the most common cervical vertebrae injuries

Question 13

Herniation

Answer 13

Herniation occurs when the annulus fibrosus becomes damaged allowing the gelatinous nucleus pulpous to leak out into the vertebral foramen due to the smaller size of the posterior longitudinal ligament
most common in lumbar region.
or occurs via dehydration of nucleus pulposus ( C5-C6, C6-7)

Question 14

Laminectomy

Answer 14

Removal of spinous process/adjacent supporting lamina to gain access to the vertebral canal
relieve pressure caused by tumor, herniated IV disc, or bony hypertrophy
above L2- spinal cord exposure
below L2- roots of specific spinal nerves

Question 15

Fracture/Dislocation of Atlas

Rupture of the transverse ligament

Answer 15

caused by vertical forces (diving and hitting bottom of pool), compression of lateral masses between occipital condyles and axis, fracturing one or both of the anterior or posterior arches
Jefferson or burst fracture

Question 16

Spina Bifida Occulta

Answer 16

nueral arches of L5 and/or S1 fair to develop normally and fuse posterior to the vertebral canal, bony defect in vertebral L5/S1, tuft of hair, no back problems

Question 17

Spinda Bifida Cystica

Answer 17

one or more vertebral arches may fail to develop completely
herniation of the meninges
severe cases from neural tube defects