LBP and C-Spine Flashcards
What is the MCC of LBP?
Somatic Dysfunction (lumbar strain)
NEXUS criteria for clearing a cervical spine injury
- no midline cervical tenderness
- no focal neuro deficits
- normal alertness
- no intoxication
- no painful distracting injuries
Brachial Plexus Injury
compression or distraction force
Compression Force
nerve roots pinched between adjacent vertebrae
Distraction Force
tension or “stretch” force on nerve roots
What is the most common level for a distraction force brachial plexus injury to occur?
C5/C6
What is Erb’s point?
2-3 cm above clavicle anterior to C6 transverse process, most superficial passage of brachial plexus
Signs and Symptoms of Brachial Plexus Injury
- immediate and significant pain
- burning, achy pain
- dropped shoulder on affected side
- symptoms minimize or resolve quickly
Where are the most common disc herniations of the cervical spine?
C5/C6 or C6/C7
Spain/Strain Signs and Symptoms
- limited ROM
- occipital headaches and diffuse tenderness
- no peripheral pain or paresthesia
- normal neurological exam
Vertebral Artery Impingement
due to anatomic location, may be compromised with same mechanism of injury as brachial plexus/cervical nerve root impingement injuries
Vertebral Artery Impingement - signs and symptoms
- dizziness
- confusion
- nystagmus
Syrigomyelia
- cyst in the spinal cord that elongated over time
- compresses nerve fibers and leads to progressive arm and leg weakness associated with headache and cold sensation of the hands with loss of bladder function
Cervical Spondylosis
degenerative disorder of the disc with ingrowth of bone with side spurs and thickening of the ligament
Cervical Spondylosis - signs and symptoms
- causes pain and radiculopathy with limited mobility in the upright position
- paresthesia in hands and hand dexterity
- loss of vibratory and position sense in the feet and legs
How many vertebrae’s does the lumbar spin consist of?
5 (L1-L5)
What type of curve does the lumbar spin have?
Lordotic curve
What type of curve does the sacrum have?
Kyphotic curve
What are the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments?
Long ligaments that run the length of thevertebral column, covering the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs.
The ligament flavum connects what?
Connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
The interspinous ligament connects what?
Connects the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae.
The supraspinous ligament connects what?
Connects the tips of adjacent spinous processes.
What are the red flags for LBP?
- Age < 15 or > 50
- Fever, chills, UTI
- Significant trauma
- Unrelenting night pain; pain at rest
- Progressive sensory deficit
- Neurologic deficits
- Saddle-area anesthesia
- Urinary and/or fecal incontinence
- Major motor weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Hx or suspicion of Cancer
- Hx of Osteoporosis
- Hx of IV drug use, steroid use, immunosuppression
- Failure to improve after 6 weeks conservative tx
What is the mechanical cause of LBP?
- Musculo-ligamentous strain
- Degenerative joint/disc disease
- Herniated lumbar disc
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal stenosis.
What is the inflammatory cause of LBP?
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
What is the infectious cause of LBP?
- Pyogenic or tuberculous osteomyelitis
- Epidural abscess
Dysfunction involving what can create LBP?
- T spine
- L spine
- SI joint
- Hip
What are the indications for an MRI?
- Possible cancer, infection, cauda equina synd
- > 6-12 weeks of pain
- Pre-surgery or invasive therapy
What imaging is done for Cauda Equina?
- MRI STAT —> Neurosurgery consult
- Fracture: x-rays
What are the 3 steps for PE of the LS spine?
- Observation
- Palpation
- Range of motion
What is “observed” during the observation step of the PE?
- Pain behaviors–groaning, position changes, grimacing, etc
- Atrophy, swelling, asymmetry, color changes
- Calor, rubor, tumor
What is palpated during the palpation step of the PE?
- Palpate area of pain for temperature, spasm, and pain provocation
- Point palpation for trigger points/tender points
What is done during ROM step of the PE?
- Active and passive
- Flexion, extension, rotational, lateral bending
- Leg raising
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Injury to multiple lumbosacral nerve roots in the spinal canal distal to L1-2 terminus
- Rare, needs emergent surgical referral
What is the etiology of Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Massive midline disc herniation (HNP) or mass compressing cord or cauda equina (tumors), fractures, and hematoma following lumbar puncture
What is the S/Sxs of Cauda Equina Syndrome?
- LBP
- Bilateral lower extremity weakness
- Numbness, or progressive neurological deficit
- Saddle anesthesia
- Loss of bladder control
What is the PE findings of Cauda Equina Syndrome?
- Observe gait
+ leg raise test
+ walking on heels or toes - Evaluate motor and sensory fxn of lumbosacral nerve roots including anal sphincter tone and or perianal numbness.