MSK - Cervical And Thoracic Spine Flashcards

1
Q

How many cervical vertebrae are there?

A

7

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2
Q

How many thoracic vertebrae are there?

A

12

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3
Q

How many lumbar vertebrae are there?

A

5

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4
Q

How big are the cervical vertebrae compared to the other vertebrae?

A

They are the smallest of the discrete vertebrae

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5
Q

What is different about the foramen of cervical vertebrae (except C7)?

A

It is bifid (has two ‘spikes’)

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6
Q

What action is the first cervical vertebrae involved with?

A

50% of total flexion and extension of the neck

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7
Q

Which two features is the first cervical vertebra missing which the other vertebrae have?

A

Vertebral body and spinous processes

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8
Q

What are the two things found on the second cervical vertebrae which work together to prevent horizontal displacement of the atlas?

A

The ‘dens’ (Odontoid process) and the transverse ligament

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9
Q

What are the three main features that characterise the second cervical vertebra?

A
  • odontoid process/’dens’
  • rugged lateral mass
  • large spinous process
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10
Q

What’s special about the seventh cervical vertebra?

A

It has the longest spinous process (which is not bifid), which means it can be seen from the outside very prominently. It also has a small foramen transversarium so only the accessory vertebral veins are transmitted.

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11
Q

What is the ligamentum nuchae?

A

A thickening of the supraspinous ligament which attaches to the external occipital protuberance and the spinous processes of all cervical vertebrae.

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12
Q

What are the functions of the ligamentum nuchae?

A
  • maintains secondary curvature of the cervical spine
  • helps the cervical spine support the head
  • major site of attachment of trunk and neck muscles
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13
Q

Which is stronger, the anterior or posterior longitudinal ligament?

A

Anterior is stronger

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14
Q

What are the three movements of the cervical spine?

A
  • flexion/extension
  • lateral flexion
  • rotation
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15
Q

What shape is the vertebral foramen on the thoracic vertebrae?

A

Small and circular

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16
Q

What is different about the facets for rib articulation on T2-T8 compared to T9-10?

A

They are demi-facets in the sides of the body on T2-T8 and whole facets on T9-T10

17
Q

What is the anterior cord mostly used for?

A

Sensory and motor, light touch, pinprick and pain

18
Q

What is the posterior cord mostly used for?

A

Vibration and proprioception

19
Q

True or false - mostly lateral tracts of the spinal cord move the arms?

A

False - lateral tracts move the legs, and central tracts move the arms

20
Q

What is a neural level?

A

The last functioning spinal level below an injury

21
Q

What is cervical spondylosis?

A

Degenerative osteoarthritis of intervertebral joints in cervical spine

22
Q

What are the consequences of pressure on the spinal cord leading to myelopathy?

A
  • global weakness
  • gait dysfunction
  • loss of balance
  • loss of bladder and bowel control
23
Q

What are the consequences of pressure on nerve roots leading to radiculopathy?

A
  • dermatomal sensory symptoms

- myotomal motor weakness

24
Q

What is a hangman’s fracture?

A

Hyperextension of the head on the neck, leading to axis fractures through the pars interarticularis

25
Q

How is a ‘peg fracture’ most often caused?

A

By a blow to the back of the head, eg. from falling against a wall

26
Q

What is a fracture of the atlas?

A
  • “Jefferson’s fracture”
  • fracture of anterior and posterior arches of the atlas
  • caused by an axial load, eg diving into shallow water or impact on vehicle roof
  • usually pain but no neurological signs
27
Q

Why is the cervical spine prone to whiplash injury?

A

It has high mobility and low stability