L3.2 Bones & Joints of the Back

Question 1

When do the secondary curvatures present?

Answer 1

6-9 months - cervical

12-15 months - lumbar

Question 2

What additional feature is present on thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 2

Demi facets for head of rib on spinous process and articular facets on transverse processes for rib tubercle

Question 3

What are the features of spina bifida?

Answer 3

Occulata - no neurological signs, just abnormal development, unknown causes (2%)

0.1% cystica - meningocele (just meninges of spinal cord), meningomyelocele (parts of spinal cord or spinal nerves emerge into sac outside vertebral canal

Usually at L5/S1

Question 4

What are the primary and secondary centres of ossification and when do secondary centres close?

Answer 4

Primary: body and each neural arch
Secondary: anular epiphyses, spinous process and transverse processes
Secondary close at 16 for girls and 18-19 for boys (before closed they look like a fracture)

Question 5

Describe the features of posterior longitudinal ligament and ligamentum flavour:

Answer 5

• Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: runs along the back of the vertebral column and spreads out over each IV disc
• Ligamentum Flavum: on inside of lamina, has elastic fibres to allow the vertebrae to separate when flexing the trunk