Diseases in the back Flashcards
What is a jefferson’s fracture?
A fracture to the vertebral arches of C1 vertebra (Atlas) that usually is a result of a blow to the top of the head. This is also known as a burst fracture.
Will a jefferson fracture result in spinal cord injury? why or why not?
It usually will not since the canal is very wide in that area but if there is a rupture to the transverse L with the odontoid process there could be injury
What is a hangman’s fracture?
A fracture to the vertebra arch of the C2 vertebra (axis)- usually as a result of a hyperextension of the head on the neck
What can occur if there is a horizontal blow to the head?
There can a fracture to the base of the odontoid process of c2.
What is spina bifida occulta?
When the vertebral lamina fails to fuse and close off the vertebral canal. Occurs generally at L5 and S1 but can go undetected. There will occasionally be a tuft of hair seen at the base of the spine.
What is spondylosis?
A degenerative joint disease that involves the calcification of the edges of the vertebral body that can cause pain and stiffness.
What is spondylolysis?
A separation of the vertebral arch from the vertebral body
What is spondylolisthesis?
It is the anterior displacement of the vertebral body from the inferior vertebral segment
What is lumbar spinal stenosis?
Narrowing of the lumbar vertebral foramen which can compress the spinal nerve roots
What is a lumbar puncture?
It is a diagnostic procedure where a needle is placed between L3/L4 or L4/L5 to collect cerebral spinal fluid.
Why is a lumbar puncture more frequently performed at the l4/l5 region?
Because the spinal cord fans out into the caudal equina around the area of L2 in grown adults. By doing it at this level you avoid puncturing the spinal cord.
What is hemisacrilization?
the partial or complete incorporation of the L5 vertebra segment to the sacrum. This puts more pressure on the L4 and L5 segment and will result in back pain
What is lumbarization?
The separation of the s1 vertebral segment from the sacrum
What is coccgodynia?
A fracture or dislocation of the coccyx which results in pain. This fracture usually occurs from a fall or after difficult child birth
What is kyphosis?
A exaggerated curvature of the thoracic vertebral column usually resulting in a humpback
What is lordosis?
an exaggeration of the curvature to the lumbar thoracic region that results in a sway back
What is scoliosis?
A lateral curvature to the spine
What is whiplash?
It is a hyperextension of the neck that will result in the excessive stretching or tearing of the anterior longitudinal ligament
How is a suspected fracture to the vertebral column treated?
the pt will be kept in hyperextension and the pull of the anterior longitudinal ligament will help align the fragments
What is herniation of the interverberal disc?
When the nucleus pulposus will leave the annulus fibrosis
What can result of intervertebral disc herniation?
It can compress the spinal nerve roots, cauda equina or spinal nerves.
What is a back sprain?
A ligamentous injury between bones that usually occurs when there has been inadequate stretching before activity
What is a back strain?
The excessive stretching and sometimes tearing of the muscle fibers produced by overly strong muscular contractor.
What will occur with a spinal cord injury at the level of c1-c3?
There will be no function below the head, respirator will be needed for life