S2_L1 Trauma & Degenerative Conditions of the LS Spine; SI Joint Pathology Flashcards
Modified T/F
A. CT Scan is the ideal imaging modality for evaluating major trauma patients.
B. Its speed and versatility of imaging multiple body systems in one examination makes it preferred for life threatening situations.
TT
Modified T/F
A. The TL junction is the predominant site of vertebral fractures due to a relatively mobile thoracic spine and fixed lumbar spine.
B. The TL junction is from T11-L2, and is referred to as a “transition segment.”
FT
A: due to a relatively fixed thoracic spine and mobile lumbar spine.
Meyerding Classification of Spondylolisthesis
The vertebra has translated forward as much as 75%.
A. Grade 1
B. Grade 2
C. Grade 3
D. Grade 4
C. Grade 3
Note: 51-75% slippage
Meyerding Classification of Spondylolisthesis
Approximately 48% of the vertebra has slipped
A. Grade 1
B. Grade 2
C. Grade 3
D. Grade 4
B. Grade 2
Note: Grade 2 = >25-50% slippage
Meyerding Classification of Spondylolisthesis
The vertebra has completely slipped (100%) from the vertebra below it.
A. Grade 1
B. Grade 2
C. Grade 3
D. Grade 4
D. Grade 4
Note: Spondyloptosis refers to ≥100 slippage
Meyerding Classification of Spondylolisthesis
The vertebra has slipped by 20%
A. Grade 1
B. Grade 2
C. Grade 3
D. Grade 4
A. Grade 1
Modified T/F
A. Spondylolysis is the forward displacement of one vertebra over the stationary vertebra below.
B. Spondylolisthesis refers to a defect or fracture of the pars interarticularis.
FF
A: Spondylolisthesis
B: Spondylolysis
Modified T/F
A. Fracture spondylolisthesis leads to the step off of the spinous process below the level of the slip.
B. Degenerative spondylolisthesis results in a step off of the spinous process above the level of the slip.
FF
A: step off is above
B: step off is below
Modified T/F
A. A radiolucent line across the pars interarticularis, known as the Scottie dog with a collar, is a radiologic finding in spondylolysis.
B. A decapitated Scottie dog is a radiologic finding in spondylolisthesis.
TT
Note: The Scottie dog with a collar can be seen in the oblique view.
Modified T/F
A. SPECT can be used to distinguish stenosis vs medical disease, infections or tumors.
B. MRI is the best choice for characterizing spinal stenosis, providing an accurate canal diameter and the status of neural tissues in the canal.
TT
Modified T/F: Imaging spinal stenosis
A. CT myelogram injects the thecal sac with contrast media, showing constriction of the thecal sac and impeded flow of CSF, but it is invasive.
B. CT with contrast shows an enhanced visualization of margins of the epidural space.
TT
Note: CT myelogram is used for worst case scenarios.
Radiologic Findings in SI joint pathology
- Joint sclerosis and ligamentous ossification
- Water density mass posterior to defect, CSF within the sac
- Bamboo Spine
A. Ankylosing spondylitis
B. Spina bifida
- A
- B
- A
Radiologic Findings in SI joint pathology
- Squaring-off of anterior border of vertebral bodies
- Widened interpedicular distance on AP view due to failure of arches to develop
A. Ankylosing spondylitis
B. Spina bifida
- A
- B
Modified T/F
A. Sacroiliitis is the first presenting symptom of SI joint pathology.
B. In the early stage, it presents with a narrowed space secondary to progressive inflammatory erosions, but in later stages the space widens.
TF
B: Early stage - widened space secondary to progressive inflammatory erosions; Later stage - narrowed space
Modified T/F
A. The upper halves of the SI joint are synovial in nature.
B. The lower halves of the SI joint are syndesmotic in nature.
FF
A: Upper halves = syndesmotic
B: Lower halves = synovial
TRUE OR FALSE: Radiographic examination for IV disc herniation is unnecessary in the first 4-6 weeks at the onset of symptoms.
True
Spina Bifida
- Most benign manifestation of spina bifida
- No skin abnormality on the low back of the patient
- Defect in posterior arch allows protrusion of spinal cord and coverings outside the spinal canal
A. Spina Bifida Occulta
B. Spina Bifida Vera
- A
- A
- B
TRUE OR FALSE: Spina bifida vera goes beyond the skin of the patient, resulting in a skin abnormality.
True
Radiologic Findings of Ankylosing Spondylitis (Yes or No)
- Syndesmophytes bridge vertebral bodies
- Radiolucent line cannot be seen anymore
- Yes
- Yes
Radiologic Findings of Ankylosing Spondylitis (Yes or No)
- Fusion of SI joint
- Narrowing of lower half of the SI joint is the earliest finding.
- Yes
- No (Narrowing of the upper half)