Movements of the thoracic spine Flashcards
what movements occur in the thoracic spine?
flexion, extension, lateral flexion & thoracic rotation
degrees of flexion in the thoracic spine
30° - 40°
how does flexion occur in the thoracic spine?
the inferior articular processes of the vertebra above slide upwards over the lower vertebra + compression of anterior part of disc
what limits flexion in the thoracic spine?
Flexion is limited by the thoracic cage and by tension in the ligaments:-Posterior longitudinal, supraspinous, and ligamenta flava
degrees of extension in the thoracic spine
20° - 30°
how does extension occur in the thoracic spine?
the upper vertebra tilts and slides posteriorly on the lower vertebral body + compression of the disc, posteriorly.
what limits extension in the thoracic spine?
Extension is limited by the impact of the articular and spinous processes between the adjacent vertebra eand tension in the anterior longitudinal ligament
degrees of lateral flexion in the thoracic spine
20° - 25°
how does lateral flexion occur in the thoracic spine?
each side the superior facets move downwards and backwards on the opposite side. The articular process moves forwards and upwards over the superior process of the vertebra below
what limits lateral flexion in the thoracic spine?
Lateral flexion is limited by impact of the articular processes on the side of the movement and tension in the ligaments of the opposite side, especially the ligamentum flavum and intertransverse ligament
degrees of thoracic roation
35°
how does thoracic rotation occur?
the inferior facets on the opposite side of the vertebra above move against the superior facets of the lower vertebra, producing a kind of camber effect
what limits thoracic rotation?
The amount of rotation would be greater if it were not for the thoracic cage.
Rotation is limited by tension in the ligaments: - supraspinous, interspinous, and ligamentum flavum +tension in the intervertebral disc.
