Lower Back Disorders Flashcards
Define Lordosis
Increased anterior convexity in the curvature of the spine
Define Kyphosis
Exaggeration of posterior convexity of the thoracic vertebral column found commonly with OA & osteoporosis
Define Scoliosis
Lateral curve of the spine usually right convex thoracic, most of which are idiopathic
Define Spondylolisthesis
Anterior slip, bilateral pars defect
Palpable step off with or without neurological symptoms
Define Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramen producing root ischemia or neurogenic claudication
Define Spondylolysis
Stress fracture of pars interarticularis
What on physical exam may indicate hip joint pathology?
Decreased internal rotation or external rotation
Reproduction of pain
L4 Reflex, Motor, and Sensory
R: patellar
M: ankle
S: medial foot and leg
L5 Reflex, Motor, and Sensory
R: none
M: extensor hallucus longus
S: lateral leg & dorsum of foot
S1 Reflex, Motor, and Sensory
R: Achilles
M: peroneus longus & brevis
S: lateral foot
Parts of a Vertebral Disc
Nucleus pulposus
Annulus Fibrosis
Ligaments of the Lumbar Spine
Anterior longitudinal ligament
Posterior longitudinal ligament
Interspinous
Supraspinous
Where does the anterior longitudinal ligament lie?
Anterior surface of the vertebral bodies
Where does the posterior longitudinal ligament lie?
Posterior surface of vertebral bodies inside the vertebral canal
What ligaments connect the spinous processes?
Interspinous
Supraspinous
Diagnostic Tests for Low Back Pain
Plain radiographs Bone scan Diskography CT myelogram MRI Labs Tests for neurogenic pain
What can a bone scan rule out?
Infection
Occult metastatic tumor
What test is an accurate assessment of stenosis?
CT Myelogram
What test is the most useful for disc injury?
MRI
Which patients should you run labs on for low back pain?
High risk
Unimproved after 8-12 weeks of conservative treatment
Patients with High Risk Features for Low Back Pain
Poorly controlled DM
Infection
Nursing home
Hx of CA
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Some degree of back pain
Pain that radiates into the leg
Shooting or stabbing pain
Which is worse: straight leg raise or crossed straight-leg raise?
Crossed straight-leg raise
Most Useful Test for Herniated Discs
MRI
Treatment for Disc Herniation
Conservative: PT, NSAIDs/steroids, & muscle relaxants; epidural steroid injections
Surgical
Reasons for Surgical Treatment of a Disc Herniation
Cauda equina syndrome
Profound motor deficits
Progressive neurologic deficit
Persistent bothersome sciatic pain, despite conservative management for 6-12 weeks