Lumbar Spine Flashcards
What are the 4 lumbar spine views?
- anteroposterior (AP)
- lateral
- Right and left oblique views
- Coned lateral view of lumbosacral articulation (L5–S1)
What do posterior oblique views image?
“downside” facet joints closest to image receptor
What do anterior oblique views image?
“upside” facet joints farther from image receptor
In the formation of the Scottie dog in the oblique lumbar images what does the nose represent?
transverse process
In the formation of the Scottie dog in the oblique lumbar images what does the eye represent?
pedicle
In the formation of the Scottie dog in the oblique lumbar images what does the ear represent?
superior articular process
In the formation of the Scottie dog in the oblique lumbar images what does the neck represent?
pars interarticularis
In the formation of the Scottie dog in the oblique lumbar images what does the foreleg represent?
inferior articular process
In the formation of the Scottie dog in the oblique lumbar images what does the body represent?
lamina and spinous process
In the formation of the Scottie dog in the oblique lumbar images what does the tail represent?
superior articular process of opposite side
In the formation of the Scottie dog in the oblique lumbar images what does the hind leg represent?
inferior articular process of opposite side
What is the imaging procedure of choice for evaluating trauma at the lumbar spine?
Computed tomography (CT)
Why are AP and lateral radiographs also obtained in trauma patients?
to help localize injuries
If the CT exam is normal is MRI indicated? Why or why not?
No, because isolated ligamentous injuries are rare in the lumbar spine
What areas of the lumbar spine are predominant sites of vertebral fractures? Why?
Thoracolumbar junction (T11-L2) because these vertebrae are transitional region between relatively fixed thoracic spine and mobile lumbar spine
What is Spondylolysis?
A defect of the pars interarticularis
What are 3 things that may lead to Spondylolysis?
- Congenital
- Traumatic
- Stress fracture caused by chronic strain (most common)
What is Spondylolisthesis?
A forward displacement of one vertebra upon stationary vertebra beneath it
What is Spondylolisthesis aka?
anterolisthesis
What does the term retrolisthesis refer to?
Posterior displacement of one vertebra upon stationary vertebra above it
-% of people have spondylolisthesis
5-10
Who are typically affected by spondylolisthesis?
Children and adolescents, especially those involved in athletic activities
Which vertebral levels are most often involved in spondylolisthesis?
Lower lumbar levels (L4–L5 and L5–S1)
Spondylo______ can be consequence of spondylo_____.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolysis
What are 3 other things that spondylolisthesis can result from?
- Congenital or developmental aberrations
- Pathological processes
- Degenerative changes
What are the clinical presnetations of spondylolisthesis?
Patient c/o pain after athletic activities or physical labor
What usually reduces pain in patients with spondylolisthesis? Why?
Lumbar flexion, because it reduces the displacement
Palpation of the spinous processes in patients with spondylolisthesis can reveal what?
Either rotation or deep depression