Normal variants of the Spine Flashcards
What is the PSEUDO SUBLUXATION of C2/3 ?
The immature ligaments are lax and this gives and appearance of subluxation.
At the C2/3 - the posterior vertebral line won’t always align.
what age range is a pseudo subluxation of C2/3 usually seen ?
Under 7 year olds
What is a Limbus vertebrae ?
This is an incidental finding. A defect of the anterior margin of the vertebral body. Usually at the anterior superior aspect.
What age do Limbus vertebrae usually occur ?
Before the age of 18.
Why do limbus vertebra normal variant occur ?
Herniation of the intervertebral disc.
What does a limbus vertebrae look like radiographically ?
A well corticated density with a sclerotic border.
What is a Shmorl’s node ?
Herniation of the intervertebral disc through the vertebral endplate.
What does a Schmorl’s node look like radiographically ?
Small noduar concave lesion.
Where are Schmorl’s nodes usually seen ?
Thoracic and Lumber regions.
What is Spina Bifida Ocullta ?
This is a vertebral fusion found in 10-20 percent of the population.
When bony plates covering the chord are not formed completely. This causes a defect of the spinous processes. Spinous cleft.
What is a butterfly vertebrae ?
Failure of fusion of the lateral aspect of the vertebral bodies.
What does Spina bifida look like radiographically ?
Appears in the midline as a defect of the posterior arch. A cleft is formed.
What is a ring apophysis ?
This is a secondary ossification centre of the vertebral endplate found in paediatric patients.
What causes a Limbus Vertebrae ?
An outgrowth of the vertebral disc into the space between the ring apophysis which sits at the top and bottom of the vertebral body when they are calcifying. Therefore this calcification cannot happen.