Postures & Planes Flashcards
Medial
Toward the midline
Lateral
Away from the midline
Internal/Deep
Away from the surface of the body
External/Superficial
Toward the surface of the body
Proximal
Toward the trunk of the body, to the point of origin
Distal
Away from the trunk of the body, from the point of origin
Ipsilateral
Same side
Contralateral
Opposite side
Anterior/Ventral
Front surface of the body
Posterior/Dorsal
Back surface of the body
Superior/Cephalad
Situated above, directed upward, toward the head
Inferior/Caudad
Situated below, directed downward, toward the tail
Prone
Lying face down
Supine
Lying face up
Planes
A flat surface passing through the body and dividing it into segments
Coronal/Frontal Plane
Passing longitudinally through the body from one side to the other dividing the body into anterior and posterior portions
Sagittarius Plane
Passing longitudinally through the body from front to b ack and dividing it into right and left portions
Transverse/Horizontal Plane
Passing horizontally through the body dividing it into upper and lower portions
Axis
An imaginary line about which motion occurs
In reference position, axes are perpendicular to the anatomic plane
Anterior-Posterior Axis (A-P Axis)
Runs perpendicular to the coronal/frontal plane (divides front half and back half
Transverse Axis (Right-Left Axis)
Runs perpendicular to the Sagittarius plane (divides the right half and left half)
Longitudinal Axis (Superior-Inferior Axis)
Runs perpendicular to the transverse plane (divides the top half and bottom half)
Lateral Flexion
Movement in a coronal/frontal plane about an anterior-posterior axis
Side bending left/right
Flexion
Forward motion in a Sagittarius plane of the spine, about a transverse axis
Forward bending
Extension
Backward motion in a Sagittarius plane of the spine about a transverse axis
Backward bending
Rotation
Movement in a transverse plane about a superior-inferior axis, also a term used for motion about an axis
Circular or twisting
Gravitational Line
Viewing the patient from the side, an imaginary line in a coronal plane which starts:
At or slightly anterior to the lateral malleolus
Passes across the lateral condyle of the knee
The greater trochanter
Through the lateral head of the humerus at the tip of the shoulder
To the auditory meatus
If plane is through the body it would intersect:
Body of third lumbar vertebra (L3 (or L2))
Anterior sacrum
Posture
Position of the body, distribution of body mass in relation to gravity
Ideal posture and alignment in relation to the gravitational line
Postural Compensation
Occurs in all three planes of body motion to keep the body balanced and eyes level
The result of homeostatic mechanisms working through the entire body unit to maximize function
CNS prioritized vision and balance functions
Spinal compensation involves proprioception from tendons and muscles
Vestibular information from semicircular canals
Postural Decompensation
Distribution of body mass away from ideal when postural homeostatic mechanisms are overwhelmed Failure of the body to align Coronal - scoliosis Horizontal - rotation Sagittarius - kyphosis/lordosis
Kyphosis
Normal AP curve of the thoracic spine with con cavity anterior lay and convex its posterior lay
Degree can vary with age, postural habits, and osteoporosis
Can be exaggerated
Lordosis
Normal anterior convexity in the curvature of the lumbar and cervical spine as viewed from the side
Degree can vary
Can be exaggerated
Scoliosis
Lateral curvature in the coronal/frontal plane
Can create a C or S shaped deviation
Can be structural, pathological, or functional
Pectus Excavatum
Funnel chest
Abnormally depressed lower sternum
Compression of structures
Pectus Carinatum
Pigeon chest
Abnormal prominence of sternum anterior lay
AP diameter increased
Osteopathic Postural Examination
Focuses on the static and dynamic responses of the body to gravity while in the erect position
Patient stands on a level surface without shoes
All extremities in full extension
Feet 6-8 inches apart with heels in same frontal plane and toes abducted about 15 degrees
Physician stands facing aspect of patient to be evaluated (front, back, side)
Examiner’s eyes at level of the part being viewed
Light Palpation may be used to confirm anatomic landmarks or observations
Postural Exam Landmarks: Posterior View
Achilles' tendon Foot position Medial malleolus Relation of spine to midline Symmetry of calves, thighs, buttocks Popliteal lines Gluteal creases Lateral body lines Greater trochanters PSIS Heights of iliac crests Waist creases Scapular prominence and angle Rib cage rotation Fingertip levels Arm position Shoulder levels Neck-shoulder angle Earlobe levels Mastoid process Posterior cirri cal muscle mass Head position Body position relative to vertical mid-spinal line
Postural Exam Landmarks: Anterior View
Lateral body line Position of feet and arches (pronation/supination) Medial malleolus Tibial tuberosity Patella ASIS Hip prominence Greater trochanter Iliac crest Waist crease Arm position Prominence of costal arches Rib cage angle and rotation Thoracic symmetry Sternal angle Shoulder position Sternocleidomastoid muscle Jaw position Facial symmetry Level of eyes Level of earlobes Head position Deviation of cervical spine and skull from midline
Postural Exam Landmarks: Lateral View
Anterior/Posterior body lines Feet arches Knee flexion/extension Spinal curves: cervical/lumbar lordosis; thoracic/sacral kyphosis; C-T junction; T-L junction; L-S junction Shoulder and arms Hips and pelvis Abdomen Sternal angle Thorax Head position
Observation Prior to Palpation
Color changes:
- pallor
- erythema (redness) - infection, inflammation, somatic dysfunction
Trauma:
- scars
- bruises
- lacerations
- abrasions
- swelling
- blemishes
- masses
- piercings
- tattoos
Anatomical Position
Erect body Feet parallel Eyes forward Arms to the sides Palms forward Thumbs to the outside of the body (Lateral part of arm = radius (thumb side); medial part of arm = ulna)
