L17 Thoracic Spine Flashcards
function of t/s
transfer load
protect organs
limited motion, most of any section
segment divisions of t/s
upper: 1-4
mid: 5-9
low: 10-12
thoracic disc characteristics
narrow and flat
central and small
resists torsiontt
typical vertebrae
T2-9
atypical vertebrae
T1, 10-12
how many structures attach to T1?
32
reasons why t.s is less flexible
disc shape/height
rib articulation
length of spinous processes
less flexible facet capsule
thicker ligamentum flavum and ALL
what motion does facet orientation limit?
flexion/extension
t/s vertebral body anatomy
equal AP/lat distance
heart shape
wedge shape
height increases inferiorly
2 demi facets for rib articulations each side
t/s disc anatomy
smallest height to body ratio
strong annulus, resistant to rotation
rare herniation but central most common
t/s spinal canal anatomy
pedicles restrict size
more likely to have sc compression
poor vascular supply leaving sc vulnerable to damag
transverse process anatomy
behind vertebral body pointing backwards
between inferior and superior articular processes
3 joints of the rib
costovertebral
costotransverse
costosternal
flexion ROM
total: 20-45
extension ROM
total: 15-20
side flexion ROM
total: 25-45
rotation ROM
total: 35-50
flexion joint play
superior vertebrae translates anterior
anterior rib rotation approximating anteriorly
extension joint play
superior vertebrae translates posterior
ribs roll posterior
restrained IVD, PLL, posterior elements
coupled motion in T/s
side bend coupled with contralateral rotation
t/s special questions
pain w breathing?
BL tingling in feet/gait disturbance/cord signs
general health
weight loss
recent xrays
mmedications
