(L2) Back Osteology

Question 1

What are the the major unique features of cervical vertebrae?

L2 S14

Answer 1

• triangular vertebral foramen
• bifed spinous process
• transverse foramen

Question 2

What major, unique characteristic does C1 have that is not shared with any other vertebrae?

L2 S20

Answer 2

It has no vertebral body

Question 3

What is a Jefferson fracture?

How does it occur and what are the symptoms?

L2 S19

Answer 3

Fracture of both the anterior and posterior arch of C1, the atlas.

Can result in no neruoligic symptoms as the portions of the C1 are normally dirven away from the spinal cord.

Typcially caused by an injury which compresses C1 and is reported as upper neck pain.

Question 4

What is a Hangman’s fracture?

How does it occur?

L2 S21

Answer 4

Fracture of the pedicles of C2, the axis.

Caused by hyperextension of the head on the neck, as would be caused by a noose during hanging.

Question 5

What is an odontoid fracture and how is it classified?

L2 S22

Answer 5

Fracture of the dens of C2, the axis.

Type 1:

-fracture through the tip of the dens

Type 2:

-fracture at the base of the dens

Type 3:

-fracture of the dens below the base, through the lateral masses

Question 6

What is spina bifida occulta?

How does it occur?

What is a common indicator?

L2 S24

Answer 6

Failure of fusion of the posterior arch of the spinal column (typically lower lumber/upper sacral)

Most mild variety as there is no protrusion of the spinal. Can be asymptomatic.

Can be inicated by a fatty deposit or a tuft of hair.

Question 7

What are the the major unique features of thoracic vertebrae?

L2 S28

Answer 7

• “heart” shaped body
• sharply downward angled spinous process
• costal facets
• pronouced lamina

Question 8

How are ribs numbered?

L2 S30

Answer 8

Based of the number of the lower artriculating thoracic vertebra.

Question 9

What is spondylosis?

L2 S32

Answer 9

Degenerative changes to the joints of the spine.

Question 10

What is spondylolysis?

L2 S33

Answer 10

Fracture of the pars of a vertebra.

Question 11

What is spondylolisthesis?

L2 S34

Answer 11

Displacement following spondylolysis.

Question 12

What are the the major unique features of cervical vertebrae?

L2 S38

Answer 12

• “kidney” shaped body
• “hatchet” shaped spinous process
• mammillary process
• long, slender transverse processes

Question 13

What is spinal stenosis?

L2 S41

Answer 13

Narrowing of the spinal canal.

Can cause compression of the spinal cord.

Question 14

Where are punctures of the spinal column performed and why are they performed there?

L2 S42