neuropathology spine

Question 1

what is a neural tube defect

Answer 1

when the dorsal aspect of the neural tube fails to close

Question 2

what is spondylosis

Answer 2

spinal degeneration of bone and discs

• associated with osteoarthritis

Question 3

what is scoliosis

Answer 3

sideway curvature of spine

Question 4

what is kyphosis and lordosis

Answer 4

kyphosis = forward rounding

lordosis = backward bending

Question 5

what is a Jeffersons fracture

Answer 5

C1 fracture, which happens when an axial load is from the occiput downward to the C1 ring

• fracture in 2 places of the C1 arch

Question 6

what is a hangman’s fracture

Answer 6

a bilateral fracture traversing the pars interarticularis of cervical vertebrae 2 (C2) with an associated traumatic subluxation of C2 on cervical vertebrae 3 (C3).

Question 7

what is wedge compression

Answer 7

Spinal wedge (compression) fractures are hyperflexion injuries to the vertebral body resulting from axial loading. Most commonly affecting the anterior aspect of the vertebral body, wedge fractures are considered a single-column (i.e. stable) fracture.

Question 8

what is spina bifida

Answer 8

when a baby’s spine and spinal cord does not develop properly in the womb, causing a gap/bulge in the spine

Question 9

what are the 2 types of spina bifida

Answer 9

closed defect (meningocele) - sac that pushes through the gap in the spine.

open defect (myelomeningocele) - sac contains: part of the spinal cord and spinal nerves

Question 10

what is syrinomyelia

Answer 10

• fluid filled cyst/cavity found in the space where the spinal cord sits (central portion of syrinx)
• can extend to brainstem

Question 11

what is hydromyelia

Answer 11

• dilation of central canal of cord

Question 12

what is spondylolysis

Answer 12

Spondylolysis is a fracture (crack or break) in a vertebra (bone in the spine). It can happen from repetitive stress or injuries to the spine.

• stress fracture in vertebrae

Question 13

spina bifida is only in babies, should be treated before growing up

Question 14

what is caudal equina

Answer 14

a group of nerves and nerve roots stemming from the distal end of the spinal cord,

• typically levels L1-L5 and contains axons of nerves that give both motor and sensory innervation to the legs, bladder, anus, and perineum.

Question 15

what is cauda equina syndrome

Answer 15

bundle of nerves called the Cauda Equina at the bottom of the spine get compressed

• cuts off sensation and movement