Examination of the spinal cord L7 Flashcards
What are the three sensory modalities
Discriminative touch
pain and temperature
Proprioception
how are the vertebrae connected
through fibrous tissue –> within which are facet joints
What absorbs shock in vertebral column
intervertebral discs
Where is the spinal cord contained
in the vertebral arch
2 properties of the vertebral arch
provides protection for the spinal cord
muscles attach to the transverse processes
where do the facet joints articulate
articular processes
What special feature does C2 have
odontoid process, peg
Fracture of the odontoid causes
hyperextension / hyperflexion of the neck
C1=
Atlas
What joint is where the cervical vertebra meets the skull
atlanto-occipical joint
C2=
axis
Typical cervical vertebra range
C3-C6
What is contained in the transverse foramen of the cervical vertebra
vertebral artery, vein and sympathetic nerves
Danger of clots forming in the cervical vertebral artery
stroke
4 features of C3-C6
small bodies
large arches
bifid spinous processes (neck attachment)
horizontal zygapophyseal joint
Things to look for on an X-ray (3)
loss of alignment maintained intervertebral disc spaces specific spaces (soft tissue) for bleed
CT scan +/-
more likely to pick up an injury
higher radiation dose
typical thoracic vertebra (4)
bigger body
long spinous process
circular vertebral foramen
vertically arranged facet joints
How many thoracic vertebra
12
how many lumbar vertebra
5
typical lumbar vertebra
Large kidney shaped bodies
Small arches
large spinous processes
vertical facet joints
Which vertebra usually wears out first
L5
feature of sacrum & coccyx
no movement
where do spinal nerves leave
intervertebral foramen
where does the spinal cord end
L1/L2
Cauda equina syndrome=
central herniation of intervertebral disc between lumbar vertebra going backwards–> squashing cauda equina
What does cauda equina syndrome present with (4)
bladder and bowel dysfunction
Perineal numbness
New sexual dysfunction
Progressive/ bilateral leg weakness
Most common slipped disc
L5/S1 Sciatic
3 examination points (Y1)
- Examine lumbar and thoracic spine for deformity and movement
- carry out sciatic and femoral nerve stretch tests
- Test sensation of pain, touch and position to outline dermatomes
3 curves of the back
cervical lordosis
thoracic kyphosis
Lumbar lordosis
scoliosis=
sideways bend in spine
caused from slipped disc—> muscle spasm
when is spina bifida usually picked up
in utero
Where does the femoral nerve come from
L2-L4
Where does the femoral nerve supply
hip and knee joint, quadriceps
where does sciatic nerve arise from
L5-S2
where does the sciatic nerve run
posterior compartment of thigh (midline), supplies knee flexors
Which dermatome is around the nipple
T4
C4 dermatome=
shoulder tip
C5 dermatome=
over deltoid
C6 dermatome=
tip of thumb
C7 dermatome =
middle/ index finger
C8 dermatome =
tip of little finger
T1 dermatome =
medial border of elbow
Which dermatome is around the umbilicus
T10
Hands in pockets dermatome
L1
Anteriorlateral thigh dermatome=
L2
Anterior knee dermatome=
L3
Medial calf dermatome=
L4
Lateral calf –> big toe dermatome
L5
Little toe dermatome
S1
Posterior - medial leg dermatome
S2
