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Phys: Bone & Gen Med: Ortho > Disorders of the Spine > Flashcards

Disorders of the Spine Flashcards

1
Q

What are the causes of low back pain?

A
  1. Most Common: Mechanical LBP / Lumbosacral strain (lumbago)
    A. Frequent cause of time lost and disability in adults < 45 yo
  2. Prolapsed intervertebral disc, aka Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP)
  3. Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
  4. Back pain can also be referred pain from:
    Abdomen, pelvis or retroperitoneum
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2
Q

What questions need to be asked in the HPI for low back pain?

A
  1. PAIN- PQRST
  2. Is there hx of injury/trauma?
  3. Pain at rest or activity-related?
  4. Pain at night or not relieved w/ rest?
  5. Is there evidence of systemic disease?
  6. Is there evidence of neurologic compromise?
  7. Is there bladder or bowel dysfunction?
  8. Is there social or psychological distress that may contribute to chronic, disabling pain?
  9. Prior injury?
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3
Q

What are the PE components for low back pain?

A
  1. Inspection of back and posture (must be in gown)
  2. GAIT
  3. Range of motion
  4. Palpation of the spine and paraspinal muscles
  5. Straight leg raising (SLR)
  6. Neurologic assessment of L3-S1 nerve roots
  7. Evaluation for malignancy (breast, prostate, lymph node exam)
    A. when persistent pain or history strongly suggests systemic disease
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4
Q

What are the DDx for low back pain?

A

1, Mechanical low back pain
A. Strain, spondylolithesis, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, fractures, osteoporosis, congenital disease
2. Non Mechanical Spine disease
A. MM, metastatic carcinoma, lymphoma, spinal cord tumors, Infection, inflammatory arthritis, Paget’s disease
3. Viseral disease
A. Prostatitis, endometriosis, CPID, renal disease, AAA, GI disease

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5
Q

What are the sxs of musculoskeletal pain?

A
  1. Localized pain
  2. Inc pain w/ movement
  3. May have history of an injury
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6
Q

What are the sxs of Nerve root irritation aka lumbar radiculitis or radiculopathy?

A
  1. Paresthesias and pain in specific dermatome

2. Pos. SLR btw 10-70 deg elevation, +/- contralateral SLR

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7
Q

What are the sxs of sciatica?

A
  1. Burning pain felt along distribution of nerve
    buttock, post. thigh, postero-lateral aspect of leg, lateral dorsum of foot
    A. +/- positive SLR
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8
Q

What are the sxs of a lumbar radiculopathy?

A

Inc sxs w/

Valsalva maneuvers

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9
Q

What are sxs for sciatica due to disc herniation?

A

Inc sxs w/

Valsalva maneuvers

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10
Q

What dx studies are used for low back pain?

A
  1. Xray: Not always necessary in first 4-6 wks of onset except w/ red flag signs & sxs
  2. MRI
  3. Spine CT scan
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11
Q

When is an MRI indicated for low back pain?

A

Suspicion of Spinal cord pathology, neural tumors, herniated discs and infections
Order when neural deficits are presetn

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12
Q

What does a spine CT scan show?

A

Identifies nerve entrapment & bony stenosis

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13
Q

What are the history red flags for low back pain?

A
  1. Malignancy
  2. Unexplained wt loss or loss of appetite
  3. Recent fever, chills or infection
  4. Immunosuppression*
  5. Pain @ rest or during Night
  6. Trauma
  7. Recent onset of bowel or bladder dysfunction (incontinence or dysuria)
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14
Q

What are the PE red flags for low back pain?

A
  1. Progressive neuro deficit in lower ext.
  2. Saddle anesthesia
  3. Loss of anal sphincter tone
  4. Fever
  5. Any child or adolescent with low back pain
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15
Q

What nerve root controls dorsiflexion?

A

L4

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16
Q

What is the treatment for Low back pain?

A
  1. NSAIDs +/- analgesics (2 wks for narcotics)
  2. Postural exercises / PT
    A. Extension exercises, avoid flexion
    B. Encourage mobility and activity (Not bed rest)
  3. Conservative treatment x 4-6 weeks
  4. If no improvement after 4-6 weeks, check imaging studies & labs to r/o spinal cord tumor or infection
    A. CBC w/ diff, CMP, Spep (looking for IgG
  5. When conservative treatment fails, refer to Ortho for surgical consult
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17
Q

Define Herniated Nucleus Propulsus (HNP)

A
  1. aka “slipped disc” or herniated disc
    A. Occurs when all or part of nucleus pulposus (soft gelatinous central portion of intervertebral disc) protrudes thru annulus fibrosis (disc’s outer ring)
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18
Q

Who is HNP common in?

A

Middle-aged and older men more commonly

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19
Q

What is the etioogy of HNP?

A 
1. Severe trauma or strain
A. Moving furniture
B. Lifting heavy box
2. Intervertebral disc degeneration
A. In older patients w/ degenerative disc disease, even minor trauma can cause disc herniation
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20
Q

What is the pathophys of HNP?

A

Physical stress, usually twisting motion, can tear/rupture annulus fibrosus -> herniation of nucleus propulsus into spinal canal-> compressing nerve root and/or spinal cord

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21
Q

What are the sxs of HNP?

A
  1. Severe LBP radiating to buttocks, leg and/or feet
    A. Worse with coughing, sneezing and valsalva
  2. Sensory and motor loss in areas innervated by compressed spinal nerve root
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22
Q

What nerve controls extension of the quads?

A

L4

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23
Q

What nerve controls dorsiflexion of the great toe and foot?

A

L5

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24
Q

What nerve controls plantar flexion of the great toe and foot?

A

S1

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25
Q

If the knee jerk reflex is diminished, what nerve is affected?

A

L4

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26
Q

If the ankle jerk reflex is diminished, what nerve is affected?

A

S1

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27
Q

How is L4 pathology screened?

A

Squat and rise

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28
Q

How is L5 pathology screened?

A

Heel walking

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29
Q

How is S1 pathology screened?

A

Toe walking

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30
Q

What nerve roots and nerves are associated with Hip flexion?

A

L2-3, Femoral nerve

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31
Q

What nerve roots and nerves are associated with knee extension?

A

L3-4, femoral

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32
Q

What nerve roots and nerves are associated with ankle dorsiflexion?

A

L4-5 Peroneal

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33
Q

What nerve roots and nerves are associated with hip extension?

A

L4-5 Gluteal

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34
Q

What nerve roots and nerves are associated with knee flexion?

A

L5-S1, Sciatic

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35
Q

What nerve roots and nerves are associated with ankle plantar flexion?

A

S1-2 Tibial

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36
Q

What reflex is associated with L5?

A

None reliable

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37
Q

What is the imaging study of choice for a herniated disc?

A
  1. MRI
    A. Imaging study of choice
    shows herniated disc and if spinal cord compression present
  2. Will have performed an Xray first
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38
Q

What structure do the nerve roots pass through to exit the spinal column?

A

Neural foramen

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39
Q

What is the treatment for HNP?

A 
1. Conservative Tx* (90% of pts recover with conservative tx)
A. First 24-48 ice, then heat
B. NSAIDs
C. MacKenzie exercises / PT
D. Muscle relaxants
-Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) 10 mg po q 8h
2. If conservative treatment fails
A. Ortho Spine Referral
-Micro-discectomy and/or laminectomy
\+/- Spinal fusion to stabilize spine
40
Q

What is Malingering?How is it tested?

A
  1. Falsely exaggerating or faking back pain: superficial non-anatomic tenderness, may express overreaction to physical examination testin
  2. Waddel’s tests
41
Q

What are the Waddell’s tests?

A 
1. Non-physiologic exam
A. Non-dermatomal sensory loss
B. Cogwheel or give-way weakness
2. SLR testing discrepancy
A. Supine and sitting exam are not consistent
B. Sitting test (Flip test) performed while distracting pt
3. Pain on simulated maneuvers
A. Axial loading of skull
B. Pain on PROM of shoulders and pelvis
4. Positive if 3 criteria present
42
Q

When do you suspect malingering?

A

Suspect malingering when pain is out of proportion to injury

43
Q

What are the etiologies of cervical neck pain?

A
  1. Cervical strain
  2. DDD cervical spine
  3. Whiplash injury
    A. abrupt flexion/extension
  4. Cervical radiculopathy
  5. Brachial plexus injury
44
Q

How may cervical radiculopathy present?

A

May present w/ shoulder pain and/or arm pain that is stemming from neck etiology

45
Q

How may brachial plexus injury present?

A
  1. Can include neck, arm, shoulder, finger and/or chest pain, weakness UE w/ numbness
  2. Often misdiagnosed as cervical radiculopathy
46
Q

What are the sxs of cervical neck pain?

A 
1. Pain- PQRST		acute or chronic
A. Neck
B. Shoulder
C. HA
2. Paresthesias
A. Nerve root?
B. C7 nerve root most common (C6-C7 level), then C6 nerve root (C5-C6 level)
3. Extremity weakness
4. Hx of trauma or MVA
47
Q

What are the components of a PE for cervical neck pathology?

A
  1. Neck ROM
  2. Bilateral Shoulder ROM
  3. Upper extremity strength and sensation testing
  4. Reflexes
  5. Gait
  6. Shoulder abduction relief test
    A. Positive when dec or disappearance of radicular sxs
  7. Spurling’s maneuver
    Neck compression test: + test if radicular pain or paresthesias occur
48
Q

What are the red flags for cervical neck pain?

A
  1. Fever, chills, unexplained wt loss
  2. Difficulty walking, weakness in legs
  3. Lhermitte’s sign
49
Q

What is Lhermitte’s sign?

A
  1. Shock-like paresthesia occurring w/ neck flexion
  2. Compression of spinal cord / nerve root in neck, cervical HNP or cervical spondylosis
  3. often present in MS pts
50
Q

What nerve root is the biceps reflex asst. with?

A

C5

51
Q

What nerve root are the biceps/brachioradialis reflex asst. with?

A

C6

52
Q

What nerve roots is the triceps reflex asst. with?

A

C7,

53
Q

What dx studies are used for cervical neck pain?

A 
1. Cervical x-rays
A. AP & lateral
B. Obliques
2. MRI
A. If suspect HNP, r/o malignancy
3. NCS/EMG: order when you can't determine etiology of cervical pathology
54
Q

How is cervical neck pain managed?

A
  1. NSAIDs +/- analgesics (2 wks w/ narcotics)
  2. Physical Therapy
    A. Supine cervical traction
    B. Neck strengthening exercises
    C. Posture
  3. Cervical pillow
  4. If above fails
    A. Epidural nerve block
  5. Refer to Ortho or Neurosurgery
    A. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
55
Q

define scoliosis

A
  1. Lateral curvature of thoracic, lumbar or thoracolumbar spine
  2. Curve may be:
    A. Convex to right – most common thoracic
    -Right thoracic curve @ T7 or T8 most common
    B. Convex to left – more common lumbar
56
Q

What are the rf for scoliosis?

A
  1. F>M

A. Girls between onset of puberty and cessation spinal growth are at greatest risk

57
Q

What is the etiology of scoliosis?

A 
1. Idiopathic
A. Most common type
2. Functional
A. Unequal leg lengths
B. Postural
3. Structural
A. Symmetric paralysis of muscles (polio, CP, MD)
58
Q

What are the sxs of scoliosis?

A
  1. +/- Back Pain
  2. Asymmetry in shoulder and iliac crest height
  3. Asymmetric scapula prominence
  4. Gait normal
  5. Neuro exam normal
59
Q

What dx studies are used in scoliosis?

A

Standing AP Thoracolumbar X-rays

Curves >15deg significant

60
Q

What is a Cobb Angle?

A
  1. Measurement perpendicular to end plate of the most tilted end vertebrae
    A. Formed between a line drawn parallel to the superior endplate of one vertebrae and a line drawn parallel to the inferior endplate of most tilted vertebrae.
    B. Most accurate measurement of degree of spinal curvature
61
Q

What is the treatment for scoliosis when curves are less than 10 deg?

A

Observation

Follow up q 6-12 months

62
Q

What is the treatment for scoliosis when curves are less than 20 deg?

A
  1. Managed conservatively
    A. Exercise to strengthen muscles & prevent curve progression
    Need serial AP X-rays q 3-4 months
63
Q

What is the treatment for scoliosis when curves are greater than or equal to 20 deg?

A

Refer to ortho

64
Q

What is the treatment for scoliosis when curves are 20-40 deg?

A

A. Back brace

B. Spinal exercises

65
Q

What is the treatment for thoracic curves >40-50 deg?

A

Thoracic curves >40-45, pts w/ scoliosis & resp. complaints, and pts w/ scoliosis & neurologic sxs:
PFTs
Curve may impair resp. function
Surgery

66
Q

Define Lumbar Spondylolysis (Pars Defect)?

A

Unilateral or bilateral stress fx of bridge btw upper and lower pars interarticularis

67
Q

What is the etiology of pars defect?

A

LBP cause in children/adolescent athletes

Gymnastics, diving, wrestling, dancing , figure skating etc

68
Q

What are the dx studies for pars defect?

A
  1. Lumbar X-ray
    A. AP, lateral
    B. Oblique view
    -Scotty dog “collar” or a “broken neck” is pathognomonic finding
  2. CT scan
    A. If x-ray does not show pars defect
69
Q

What is the management for a pars defect?

A
  1. 2Refer to Ortho Spine
  2. NSAIDs
  3. Muscle relaxants
  4. Activity modification
  5. PT
  6. Pt education
  7. Maintaining proper flexibility and spinal stabilization via home exercise program (HEP)
70
Q

Define Kyphosis

A

Inc convex curvature of thoracic spine

71
Q

What can kyphosis be asst with?

A

present in approx. 33% of pts w/ scoliosis

72
Q

What are the sxs of kyphosis?

A

Round back appearance

Excessive lumbar lordosis is common

73
Q

What imaging is used for kyphosis?

A

Standing lateral films

74
Q

What is the treatment for kyphosis?

A 
1. Curves 45-60
A. Follow-up q 3-4 months
2. Curves >60
A. Milwaukee brace
3. Persistent pain
A. Milwaukee brace
4. Surgery
A. If conservative treatment fails
75
Q

Define Stenosis

A

Nerve compression caused by narrowing of spinal canal

M>F

76
Q

What are the 2 types of spinal stenosis

A
  1. Central stenosis
    A. Compression of thecal sac
    B. Membrane of dura mater that surrounds spinal cord and cauda equina
    C. Can be idiopathic or developmental
  2. Lateral stenosis
    A. Impingement of nerve root lateral to thecal sac
77
Q

What is the pathophys of spinal stenosis?

A

Narrowing is usually caused by bony hypertrophic changes in the facet joints and by thickening of the ligamentum flavum

78
Q

What can spinal stneosis cause?

A

Neurogenic claudication

79
Q

What are the sxs of spinal stenosis?

A 
1. Back pain w/ walking is typical
A. Relieved by leaning forward and sitting
B. Lying prone worsens pain
2. Variable back & leg pain
3. Transient tingling in legs
4. Leg fatigue
A. Usually bilateral
80
Q

What are the PE components and results for spinal stenosis?

A
  1. Complete spine exam
  2. Note presence of leg pain, paresthesias or numbness w/ extension of spine
    A. Skin for hairy nevi patches, hemangiomas or dimples on lower back midline
    B. Signs of spina bifida, rare in adults
  3. SLR (negative in spinal stenosis usually, present in HNP) 30-40deg
  4. Patrick’s / FABER test (neg. for stenosis, positive if hip joint etiology)
  5. Check distal pulses (vascular claudication)
81
Q

What Dx studies are used for spinal stenosis?

A
  1. Usually clinical diagnosis, order to confirm dx
    A. X-rays: +/- STS, Degenerative disc disease (spondylosis)
    B. MRI preferred over CT scan to confirm dx
    -Spondylolisthesis can cause spinal stenosis as well
82
Q

What is the tx for spinal stenosis?

A
  1. Rest, isometric abdominal exercises
  2. Weight loss
  3. NSAIDs
  4. Refer to Spine Surgeon if conservative treatment fails
    A. Wide decompression of lumbar canal
83
Q

Define Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

A
  1. Inflammation & progressive fusion of vertebrae with unclear etiology, yet there is a genetic association (prob autoimmune)
  2. Affects SI joints symmetrically and spine in progressively ascending manner
84
Q

Who gets AS?

A

M>F, Peak age 20–30 yo

85
Q

What are the sxs for AS?

A
  1. Back pain (anywhere)
  2. Progressive stiffness of spine
  3. Dec motion in shoulders and hips
  4. Compression fractures
  5. Synovitis of knees
  6. Plantar fasciitis / Achilles tendonitis
86
Q

What are the complications of AS?

A
  1. Fusion of breastbone/ribs
    A. Dec lung capacity and function
  2. Extra-articular manifestations
    A. Uveitis, cardiac abnormalities, interstitial lung disease
87
Q

What dx studies are used for AS?

A
  1. HLA-B27 (90% test positive)
  2. ESR elevation
  3. X-ray Spine
    A. “Bamboo spine”
    B. Radiographic obliteration and marginal syndesmophyte ossification of paraspinal ligaments
    C. Generalized osteopenia of spine
    D. AS is one of the seronegative spondyloathropathies
88
Q

What is the treatment for AS?

A
  1. NSAIDs
  2. If Refractory to above
    A. TNF inhibitors: Adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade)
  3. Physical Therapy
    A. Preserve posture
    B. ROM and stretching exercises
    -Underlying and complicated conditions must be treated
89
Q

Define Cauda equina syndrome

A
  1. Rare syndrome
  2. Large midline disc herniation that compresses several nerve roots
  3. Usually involves L4 to L5 level
90
Q

What are the etiologies of Cauda Equina Syndrome?

A
  1. Large HNP
  2. Trauma from MVA or Fall from sign. height
    A. vertebral frx
    B. epidural hematoma from GSW or stabbing
  3. Tumor
  4. Infection
    A. epidural abscess
  5. Severe spinal stenosis
  6. Very small %age of pts post HNP surgery
91
Q

What are the sxs of Cauda equina syndorme?

A
  1. Saddle anesthesia
  2. Impaired bowel function
  3. Impaired bladder function (urinary retention, incontinence)
  4. Leg pain & paresthesias
  5. +/- paralysis
  6. Back pain and urinary retention: Think Cauda Equina
92
Q

How is cauda equina syndrome treated?

A
  1. Surgical Emergency- spinal decompression

2. Untreated or late sx can result in permanent paralysis and incontinence

93
Q

What will be seen on PE with CES?

A
  1. LMN injury pattern
  2. MSK Neuro
    A. LE weakness or paralysis
    B. cannot assess gait, toe walking or heel walking
    C. LE numbness or decreased sensation
    D. LE hyporeflexia or Absent DTR’s
    E. negative Babinski and negative Clonus
  3. DRE**
    A. decreased rectal tone
    B. saddle anesthesia
94
Q

What is Brown Sequard syndrome?

A
  1. Hemisection of the spinal cord
  2. Ipsilateral lossof tactile sensation and proprioception
  3. Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation
95
Q

What are the causes of Brown-Sequard syndrome?

A
  1. Knife or bullet injury to back
  2. Demyelination of spinal cord
  3. Rare causes:
    A. Spinal cord tumor
    B. Infections

Phys: Bone & Gen Med: Ortho (14 decks)

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