Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Intro > MS-Back and Spine > Flashcards

MS-Back and Spine Flashcards

1
Q

Vertebrae

A

Small bones forming the backbone that protects the spinal cord and provides site for muscle attachment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How many vertebrae are in the vertebral column?

A

33

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How many vertebrae are in each section of the vertebral column?

A

Cervical: 7
Thoracic: 12
Lumbar: 5
Sacral: 5 (fused)
Coccygeal: 3-5

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

If someone’s BONES hurt, what are the potential diagnoses?

A

bone fracture, infection, carcinoma

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is cancer of the back called when it is the primary source?

A

Multiple Myeloma

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

When cancer of the back is a secondary source, where are the common sites of origin?

A

Prostate, Breasts, Kidneys, Thyroid, Lungs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Spinal Nerves

A

Exit through the intervertebral foramen which is the space between two discs; Control carious functions in the body such as muscle strength and sensations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Dermatomes

A

Area on the surface of a body innervated by afferent fibers from one spinal root; Afferent fibers transmit nerve impulses from the periphery toward the central nervous system

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the function of an intervertebral disc?

A

Acts as a shock absorber during running, walking, and jumping

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What do intervertebral discs allow the spine to do?

A

flex and extend; bend laterally from side to side

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What happens to intervertebral discs when people age?

A

Lose flexibility and compressibility

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is an intervertebral disc composed of?

A

Nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the nucleus pulposus?

A

inner semifluid which gives the disc its elasticity and compressibility

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the annulus fibrosis?

A

strong outer ring of fibrocartilage which contains the nucleus pulposus and limits its expansion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Is a radiograph a good option for radiographic assessments?

A

No; High radiation load, only see calcium (bone)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Is an MRI a good option for radiographic assessments?

A

Yes; shows everything; evaluates discs for herniation and nerve impingement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Does everyone with back pain need to get an MRI?

A

No, it is reserved for patients in whom it would change therapy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

How long does it take for routine herniated disc to get better?

A

4-6 weeks

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

MRI is the modality of choice to evaluate which type of herniation?

A

cervical herniated nucleus pulposus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are the four natural curves of the spinal cord

A

Cervical - Concave; least pronounced
Thoracic - Convex
Lumbar - Concave
Pelvic - Concave; forward and downward

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Lordosis

A

Accentuated lumbar curvature; Typically in infants or to counterbalance a protuberant abdomen (pregnancy/obesity)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Kyphosis

A

Accentuated thoracic curvature; Faulty posture, secondary to osteoporosis (“senile kyphosis”); more common in women

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

How frequent is lower back pain?

A

It is the second most common reason for seeking medical attention from primary care provider

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Of people between the ages of 20-50, how many will experience LBP

A

60-80%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
LBP is the most common reason for? Under what age?
Disability and lost productivity in adults younger than 45
26
What are the statistics for recovering from LBP regardless of treatment
In 6 weeks: 60-70% In 12 weeks: 80%
27
What is the main responsibility of PCCs when dealing with LBP
Differentiate between life-threatening and non-life-threatening diseases; understand anatomy, ask appropriate subjective questions, and perform fundamentally sound PE
28
What is the most common cause of back pain?
Muscle strain
29
What is the pathophysiology of a muscle strain?
a paraspinal muscle is strained
30
What causes a muscle strain?
repeated movements, simple movements, poor muscle tone (inactivity, obesity, poor posture)
31
What are the symptoms of a muscle strain?
Pain with movement that is relieved with rest; muscle spasms
32
Where is the pain from a muscle strain felt?
localized; never below the knee
33
What are the neurological symptoms of a muscle strain
NONE
34
What are the signs of a muscle strain?
tenderness and limited range of motion; walking up thighs when extending
35
What are the physical exam findings for someone suffering from a muscle strain?
They will have a normal neurological and vascular exam
36
Is it necessary to order any tests for a muscle strain?
No need for X-ray or MRI; unnecessary radiation from X-ray and will not see muscles anyway; insurance will not pay for an MRI
37
What are the non-pharmacological treatments for a muscle strain?
Educate on proper posture and lifting, present specific back exercises, limit bed rest to 2 days, and ice with deep massage
38
What PT exercises can be utilized to help stabilize the spine and prevent reoccurring muscle strains?
Abdominal and paraspinal strengthening, spinal and hamstring flexibility, awareness of posture, lifting techniques
39
What are the pharmacological treatments for a muscle strain?
NSAIDS x 3; Acetaminophen
40
What does NSAIDs stand for?
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
41
What happens if someone takes too much acetaminophen?
liver damage; hepatotoxic
42
What happens if someone takes too many NSAIDs?
Kidney damage; nephrotoxic
43
What are some examples of NSAIDs?
ibruprofen; naproxen; aspirin; celecoxib
44
What is an infection of the bone called?
Osteomyelitis
45
What is the pathophysiology of a herniated disc?
Nucleus pulposus protrudes into the annulus fibrosis and thus impinges on a spinal nerve exiting the spinal column
46
What is the prevalence of herniated discs?
only 2-5% of those that complain of back pain (60-80%) have a HNP
47
How long does it take for most HNPs to resolve spontaneously?
within 6 weeks
48
Where is it most common for a HNP to occur?
Lumbar spine; 95% are at L4-L5 or L5-S1 level
49
When is it most common to experience a HNP?
old age; degenerative changes of discs occur as we age
50
Does a HNP cause unilateral or bilateral pain?
unilateral
51
What are the symptoms of a HNP?
Severe pain that radiates along a dermatome down the buttock and below the knee; may experience paresthesia/weakness along the dermatome and/or have difficulty performing some simple activities
52
Is there a disruption of bowel or bladder function with a HNP?
No; sphincter will be tight; be sure to ask this
53
What can be expected to find in a physical exam for a HNP
Positive neurological findings that are dermatomal including decreased reflexes, sensation, and strength
54
What can be expected if a HNP is effecting the L5 dermatome?
dorsiflexion will be inhibited; patient will have difficulty walking on heels
55
What can be expected if a HNP is effecting the S1 dermatome?
Plantar flexion will be inhibited; patient will have difficulty walking on toes
56
What are the pharmacological treatments for a HNP?
NSAIDs, Narcotics, Epidural steroid injections
57
How should narcotics be prescribed?
No longer than 7 days
58
What are examples of narcotic medications?
Codeine, oxycodone, tramadol
59
How long should activity be decreased for a HNP?
1-2 days
60
How long does it take for most patients to improve from a HNP?
3-4 weeks
61
What back disease is a very serious emergency?
Cauda equina syndrome
62
What is the cauda equina?
nerves roots caudal to the level of spinal cord termination
63
What is cauda equina syndrome?
a serious condition which results from a sudden reduction in the volume of the lumbar spinal canal that causes compression of multiple nerve roots and leads to muscle paralysis
64
What part of the cauda equina is most vulnerable in cauda equina syndrome?
The sacral roots that control bladder and anal sphincter function (S2-S4)
65
How common is cauda equina syndrome?
Rare; 0.2-2% of all disc herniations
66
What is the pathophysiology of cauda equina syndrome?
Lumbar disc disease - herniation massive; central disc protrusion
67
What is the classic triad of symptoms?
Saddle anesthesia, Bilateral lower extremity weakness, bowel or bladder dysfunction
68
*Cauda equina syndrome symptoms typically onset in what type of patients?
those with pre-existing back condition that suddenly becomes excruciating
69
*What type of leg pain can be expected with cauda equina syndrome?
severe bilateral radicular leg pain
70
*When suffering from cauda equina syndrome what can be expected in the lower extremities?
bilateral symmetric weakness and sensory loss; difficulty rising from seated position without help of chair arms
71
*Where is a common area to lose sensation when suffering from cauda equina syndrome?
in the anal, perianal, and genital region; "Do you feel different when you wipe?"
72
What problem occurs with cauda equina syndrome that is very important for a healthcare provider to ask about?
bladder retention or overflow incontinence; Trouble starting or stopping/incontinence
73
What is a difference between a HNP and cauda equina syndrome that is tested by a healthcare provider?
HNP - tight anal sphincter; Cauda equina syndrome - lax anal sphincter tone
74
What is the treatment for cauda equina syndrome?
Immediate surgical referral
75
What happens if cauda equina syndrome surgery is delayed?
It can lead to permanent loss of bowel and bladder control, impotence, sensory abnormalities, and bilateral weakness
76
What Greek word does scoliosis come from?
Crookedness
77
What does the curvature of the spine have to be for it to be considered scoliosis?
>10 degrees
78
When is the common time of onset for scoliosis?
Infancy, Early childhood, Adolescence
79
What type of scoliosis accounts for up to 85% if scoliosis cases?
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
80
What is the etiology of AIS?
It is unknown, but potentially hereditary and multifactorial
81
Who is more common to suffer from AIS and at what age?
Females ages 10-16 (puberty)
82
What is the structural change from AIS?
The vertebral bodies rotate towards convexity; The spinous processes rotate towards concavity
83
What are the symptoms of AIS?
Typically none; symptoms only present if curvatures becomes very large and restricts pulmonary function (typically not until 100+ degrees)
84
When should an exam for AIS be performed on age appropriate patients?
An AIS exam should be given at any given chance: sick call visits, school PEs, drivers license PEs, etc.
85
What can be seen in an AIS patient's shoulders?
Shoulder height asymmetry
86
What can be seen in an AIS patient's scapulas?
Unilateral scapula prominence
87
What can be seen at an AIS patient's waistline?
Waistline asymmetry; Asymmetric distance between elbow and flank
88
What can be seen in an AIS patient when asked to lean forward with legs and palms together?
Rib hump; Intercostal space discrepancy between two sides
89
What can be used to diagnose scoliosis?
Cobb angle; measures degree of curvature using a scoliometer
90
How does a healthcare provider decide treatment?
Degree of curvature as measured by the Cobb angle and skeletal maturity or non-skeletal maturity status
91
What should be done if the Cobb angle is 50 degrees or greater?
Surgery should be discussed at the time of presentation regardless of skeletal maturity
92
A curve with a Cobb angle >50 at skeletal maturity may progress how much?
one degree per year
93
What will happen if the Cobb angle is less than 50 degrees when skeletal maturity is reached?
It will not get worse
94
What are two treatment options for AIS?
Braces and surgery
95
What is the goal of treatment for AIS?
rotate and straighten the vertebral bodies so it is straight again
96
What is ORIF surgery to treat AIS?
Open reduction internal fixation; rods and screws are put on either side of the vertebral column and are screwed into the vertebral bodies

Intro (19 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions