Pathology - C and T Spine

Question 1

Compression Fracture

Answer 1

Fracture of spine produced by compression - wedge shaped appearance of vertebral body

Question 2

Scoliosis

Answer 2

Abnormal lateral curvature of the spine

Question 3

Osteoporosis

Answer 3

Metabolic bone disorder resulting in demineralization of bone - common in post-menopausal women

Question 4

Degenerative Disk Disease

Answer 4

Gradual degenerative changes to spine associated with aging

Question 5

Lordosis

Answer 5

“Swayback” - the lumbar curvature is exaggerated - may be caused by pregnancy, extreme obesity, poor posture, rickets or tuberculosis of the spine (increased concavity)

Question 6

Kyphosis

Answer 6

“Humpback” - abnormal thoracic curvature (increased convexity) caused by poor posture, rickets or tuberculosis of the spine

Question 7

Hangman’s fracture

Answer 7

The result of acute hyperextension of the head on the neck. Appears as a fracture of the arch of C2 anterior to the inferior facet and is usually associated with anterior subluxation of C2 on C3