Posterior triangle of the Neck Flashcards
posterior longitudinal ligament: what does it prevent?
hyperflexion of the cervical column
anterior longitudinal ligament: what does it prevent
prevents hyperextension of the cervical column
What is a hangman’s fracture?
- usually an hyperextension/distraction injury
- Bilateral fracture of the posterior arch of C2 with anterior subluxation of C2 on C3
jefferson fracture
- happens if fall on your head
- Compression fracture of C1 anterior and/or posterior arch
- lateral masses split and transverse ligament tears
clay shoveler’s fracture
tip of the spinous process of C6, C7 or T1 shears off
retropharyngeal space
Between retropharyngeal (retrovisceral) and alar fascia -infection here will be closed off and contained
Danger space
Between alar and prevertebral fascia
-Dangerous because it is open ended inferiorly allowing an infection move down into the posterior mediastinum
pretracheal space
space between the pretracheal fascia and the trachea
External jugular vein distension
-indicates elevated central venous pressure
torticollis
“twisted neck”, “wry neck”
- can occur congenitally or be acquired
- occurs when SCM on one side becomes shorter than its partner
- pulls head to short side and rotates it to face longer side
How do the brachial plexus and subclavian artery pass the scalene muscles?
The brachial plexus and the subclavian artery pass between the anterior and middle scalene muscles
scalene compression syndrome
brachial plexus and the subclavian artery are suppressed by the anterior and middle scalenes
- pain
- numbness
- muscle weakness
- low blood pressure in upper limb
How does the subclavian vein pass the scalene muscles?
it passes anterior to the anterior scalene so it is not in danger of compression.
How would you take advantage of landmarks when passing a central line catheter (a subclavian vein puncture)
put thumb on clavicle and index finger on jugular notch. Insert needle by thumb pointing at your index finger to guide it into the subclavian vein
