Concepts in MSK Flashcards
What is radiculopathy?
Compression of spinal nerve root
- IV disc displacement
- Spincal cord injury
- Spinal disease
What are the clinical manifestations of radiculopathy?
radicular pain
weakness
sensory loss
all in dermatomal distributions
What is myelopathy?
spinal cord damage or dysfunction including disorders of the meninges, perimeningeal spaces
can be due to traumatic injuries, vascular disease, infections, inflammatory processes
Myelopathy is damage to what structure:
Radiculopathy is damage to what structure:
M: spinal cord
R: Spinal nerve
What to look for during insepction of the C-spine?
cervical hyperlordosis
head forward
kyphosis
scolioisis
torticollis
What is being felt for during palpation of the cerivcal spine?
spinous processes
facets
paracervical muscles
What motions should be tested in the c-spine?
F/E
SB/R
May elicit pain and radicular sx
What should be assessed in neuro examination?
motor strength
reflexes
dermatomal sensation changes
ALWAYS check BILATERALLY
what is the spurling test?
rotate and extend the neck to one side
apply axial load
reproduction of cervical radiculopathy is a + sign of nerve root compression
What is spondylosis
Defect in pars interarticularis with subsequent compression on spinal nerve root
fairly synonymous with osteoarthritis
How can scolioisis be assessed for?
Forward bending test
(initial screening maneuver)
What worsens and improves the sx of lumbar stenosis?
pain is worse with back extensino
relieved by sitting or leaning forward
Disc herniation will present with pain in what position?
Pain with back flexion or prolonged sitting
(opposite of stenosis)
straight leg raise can reproduce sx at <70’
What are some sx of Cauda Equina syndrome?
urinary retention/incontinence
saddle parasthesias
decreased anal sphincter/fecal incontinence
bilateral LE weakness
progressive neuro deficits
What MSK disease is a surgical emergency?
Cauda Equina
