CORTEXT: Spine and upper limb

Question 1

Mechanical back pain is______ with movement.

Answer 1

aggrevated

Question 2

What type of pain is felt in sciatica? Where does it radiate to

Answer 2

Neuralgic burning or tingling pain

Radiates down the back of thigh to below the knee

Question 3

What analgesia may be used for pain in sciatica?

Answer 3

Gabapentin (for neuropathic pain)

Question 4

Spinal stenosis results from compression on cauda equina by osteophytes, bulging discs and ligamentum flavum. What are the symptoms?

Answer 4

• claudication - burning pain in legs

- better walking uphill than downhill

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Answer 5

bilateral leg pain and numbness

numbness around perineum and buttocks
loss of bladder and bowel control

Question 6

What examination test must be carried out in suspected cauda equina?

What investigation should be carried out?

Answer 6

Rectal examination
-check sphincter tone

MRI

Question 7

Cauda equina syndrome normally self resolves with physio within 3 months (T/F)

Answer 7

False

immediate surgical intervention is required

Question 8

What are the most common levels of cervical disc prolapse?

Answer 8

C7 and C8 roots

Question 9

Patients with Down Syndrome are at risk of developing what defect of the cervical spine?

Answer 9

Atlanto-axial instability

-subluxation can cause spinal cord compression