Lumbar Spine Biomechanics Flashcards

1
Q

At what level does the spinal cord terminate into the cauda equina?

A

L1-2.

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2
Q

What neuro symptoms would accompany damage to the cauda equina?

A

i) flaccid paralysis
ii) diminished reflexes
iii) altered sensation

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3
Q

What are the 5 key characteristics of cauda equina syndrome?

A

i) Altered sensation: saddle parasthesia
ii) Altered bladder fuction: premonition, control
iii) Loss of sexual function
iv) Loss of anal tone: premonition, control
v) Bilateral neurogenic sciatica

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4
Q

What are the joint components of a lumbar spine motion segment?

A

One intervertebral joint and two z-joints.

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5
Q

What are the components of the anterior/central joint of a spinal segment?

A

Two vertebral bodies and a common disc.

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6
Q

What type of joint is the anterior intervertebral joint?

A

i) synarthroses (cartilagenous)

ii) symphysis

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7
Q

What is the function of z-joints?

A

i) Limit extension and rotation
ii) 16% weight bearing
iii) direct movement of the spine

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8
Q

What joint type is a z-joint?

A

i) synovial (diarthroses)
ii) complex
iii) planar

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9
Q

Describe the concavity and convexity of the z-joints.

A

i) Inferior facet of superior vertebrae (IFSV): convex

ii) superior facet of inferior vertebrae (SFIV): concave

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10
Q

What direction do the superior and inferior facet face in the lumbar spine?

A

i) superior facet: laterally and anteriorly

ii) inferior facet: medially and posteriorly

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11
Q

What is the resting position of the z-joints?

A

Midway flexion and extension.

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12
Q

What is the close packed position of the z-joints?

A

Extension.

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13
Q

What is the capsular pattern of the z-joints?

A

SF = rot’n > extension.

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14
Q

Describe the osteokinematics of lumbar spine flexion at the z-joints.

A

i) anterior rotation (8’-13’)

ii) anterior translation (1-3mm)

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15
Q

Describe the osteokinematics of lumbar extension at the z-joints.

A

i) posterior rotation (1’-5’)

ii) posterior translation (1mm)

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16
Q

Describe the arthrokinematics of lumbar flexion at the z-joints.

A

IFSV anterior roll, IFSV anterior and superior glide.

17
Q

Describe the arthrokinematics of lumbar extension at te z-joints.

A

IFSV posterior roll, IFSV posterior and inferior glide.

18
Q

Decribe the osteokinematics of side flexion at the z-joints.

A

i) Rotates in transverse plane
ii) lateral translation of superior vertebrae
iii) superior vertebrae tilts (rotate in coronal plane)

19
Q

Describe the arthrokinematics of side flexion at the z-joints.

A

i) ipsilateral IFSV glides inferiorly and posteriorly

ii) contralateral IFSV glides anteriorly and superiorly

20
Q

Which structures are loaded with lumbar compression?

A

i) disc
ii) vertebral body
iii) vertebral end plate

21
Q

Which structures are loaded with lumbar shear?

A

i) annular fibres
ii) z-joints
iii) spinal ligaments

22
Q

What structures are loaded with lumbar rotation?

A

i) annular fibres
ii) contralateral impaction of z-joint
iii) ipsilateral distraction of z-joint

23
Q

What are three key points from intradiscal pressure studies of the lumbar spine?

A

i) Increased pressure in sitting vs standing erect
ii) Lifting with knees bent helps to decrease presure
iii) Load held in front of body increases pressure (esp. with forward bend)

24
Q

Which muscles of the inner unit core are use anticipatory activation in response to limb movement?

A

i) mid & lower fibres of transversalis abdominis

ii) mid & lower fibres of internal oblique

25
Which muscle is the primary lumbopelvic stabilizer?
Transversalis abdominis.
26
How does inner unit core activation change following presence of LBP?
i) transversalis abdominis has reactive activation, not anticipatory, to limb movement. ii) multifidus demonstrates preferential segmental atrophy (30% in days of onset, also with bedrest)
27
What is the most effective muscle activation pattern to increase intra-abdominal pressure and what is the effect?
Compress cranially and caudally - diaphragm lowers and pelvic floor raises. i) extensor torque (mild) ii) stabilization
28
Describe the habitual movements of lumbar flexion from above.
i) femur - (posterior?) ii) pelvis - APT iii) thoracolumbar - flexes iv) sacrum on pelvis - nutates v) L5 on sacrum - flexes
29
Describe the habitual movements of lumbar extension from above.
i) femur - anterior ii) pelvis - PPT iii) thoracolumbar - extends iv) sacrum on pelvis - nutated v) L5 on sacrum - extends
30
Describe the habitual movements of left lumbar side flexion from above.
i) femur - L ABD, R ADD ii) pelvis - ipsilateral tilt coronal plane iii) innominate - R posterior rotation, L anterior rotation iv) thoracolumbar - side flexes v) sacrum - R rotation vi) L5 on sacrum - R rotation, R side flexion
31
Describe the habitual movements of left lumbar rotation from above.
i) femur - L flex/IR (postero-medial), R ext/ER (anteromedial) ii) pelvis - L rotation, tranverse plane iii) innominate - L posterior rotation, R anterior rotation iv) thoracolumbar - rotates v) sacrum - L rotation vi) L5 on sacrum - L rotation