NMS

Question 1

Why are thoracic disc lesions uncommon in the thoracic spine

Answer 1

• Uncommon in the thoracic spine due to:
  o Relative thin disc
  o Mobility of the disc is limited by the splinting of rib cage
  o Anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments and ligamentum flavum are well developed
  o Nucleus pulposis is more anterior than in other regions

or This is due to the angle at which the transverse processes of the thoracic region articulate. The superior and inferior facets are at approximately a 45* angle therefore during rotation, there is limited ROM in the specific joints due to their locking mechanism.. 2The position of the spinous processes is more at an angle than in any of the other regions which decreases the ROM in flexion and extension 1
This means that there is a decreased chance of compression/impingement on the disc during multidirectional movement(s)1

Question 2

three joint integrity tests that you would do to assess the stability of the atlanto- axial joint

Answer 2

Anterior Translation stress of the atlas on the axis
Lateral Stability stress test for the atlanto-axial joint
Sharp-Perser Test

Question 3

integrity test of the alar ligament

Answer 3

lateral flexion stress test for the alar ligament,
rotational stress test for the alar ligament

Question 4

Joint integrity tests

Answer 4

post-trauma like whiplash – when instability is suspected:
distraction,
posterior stability test of the atlanto-occipital joint, anterior stability test of the atlanto-occipital joint,
Sharp-Perser test,
anterior translation stress of the atlas on the axis,
lateral stability stress test for the atlanto-axial joint, lateral flexion stress test for the alar ligament,
rotational stress test for the alar ligament