Clinical Lumbar Flashcards
Innervation of latissimus dorsi
Thoracodorsal n. (C6-8)
Innervation of gluteus maximus
Inferior gluteal n. (L5-S2)
Innervation of quadratus lumborum
T12 and L1-4 ventral rami
Origin of quadratus lumborum
12th rib
Lumbar transverse processes
Insertion of quadratus lumborum
Iliolumbar ligament
Iliac crest
Innervation of piriformis
L4-S3
What is special about the piriformis?
Only m. to bridge the anterior SI joint
What is the first ligament to become tender with lumbar posture changes?
Iliiolumbar ligament
What happens to the PLL as it descends?
Narrows
Which discs most commonly herniate?
L4-L5
L5-S1
What direction does a disc normally herniate?
Posterolaterally
Symptoms of a herniated disc
Sharp low back pain
LE radiculopathy
Worsened with valsalva
Positive straight leg raise
Which nerve root is affected in a disc herniation?
Never root below
How are discs named?
Named for the vertebrae above
If L4 disc herniates, which nerve root is affected?
L5
L4 motor, reflex, and sensation
Tibialis anterior - foot inversion and dorsiflexion
Patellar reflex
Sensation on medial aspect of foot, medial leg to tibial crest
L5 motor, reflex, and sensation
Extensior hallicus longus - great toe extension
Gluteus medius - abduct the leg
No reflex
Sensation on lateral leg and dorsum of foot
S1 motor, reflex, and sensation
Peroneus longus and brevis - foot eversion Gastrocnemius/Soleus Gluteus maximus - hip extention Achilles tendon reflex Sensation on lateral foot
Which n. root is most commonly injured?
S1
3 concentric rings around the anus
S2 - outer
S3 - middle
S4 - innermost
Symptoms of spinal stenosis
Aching low back pain to lower legs
Worsened by lumbar extension (standing, walking, lying supine)
Relieved by sitting
Spondylosis
Degenerative changes within intervertebral disk with ankylosing of adjacent vertebral bodies
Spondylolysis
Defect/fracture of pars interarticularis without anterior displacement of vertebral body
Dx of spondylolysis
Oblique x-rays showing collar on Scottie Dog