Intervertebral Foramen: Sources of Nerve Compression

Question 1

What are listed sources of nerve compression?

Answer 1

• malignant or nonmalignant enlarging masses
• destructive lesion of the vertebral bodies
• thickening of the ligamentum flavum
• apophyseal joint swelling
• intervertebral disc loss of integrity
• osteophyte formation
• increases in thickness of the pedicle or lamina
• congenital or acquired alterations of the spinal curves
• venous congestion

Question 2

What are some examples of destructive lesions of the vertebral body?

Answer 2

• tuberculosis
• hemangiomas
• osteoporosis

Question 3

What may reduce the impact of intervertebral disc loss of integrity on the intervertebral foramen in the cervical and thoracic spine?

Answer 3

• the joint of Luschka in cervicals

- the costocentral joint in the thoracics

Question 4

What are examples of osteophyte formation that influence the intervertebral foramen?

Answer 4

• bony spurs of the vertebral body

- para-articular processes on the lamina

Question 5

What are examples of acquired alterations of the spinal curves?

Answer 5

• obesity
• pregnancy
• use of heavy backpacks

Question 6

What is the recommended weight of a backpack compared to individual weight for the developing spine?

Answer 6

should not exceed 10% individual body weight