Spinal Anatomy & Trauma Flashcards
What is the function of the laminae in the cervical and thoracic spine? What is the consequence of a laminectomy in these areas?
Laminae supports weight, there laminectomy results in instability.
Where is the ALL the narrowest along its path?
At the disc level. (Also not firmly attached at the discs).
Where the PLL the widest along its path?
At the disc level.
The PLL is a continuous with which ligament at the cervicomedullary junction?
Tectorial membrane
True or false: The PLL is straonger than the ALL.
False. The ALL is 2x stronger than the PLL.
List 5 fractures/dislocations that can occur from a hyperflexion mechanism.
i) Simple compression fx
ii) Anterior subluxation: posterior ligament disruption
iii) Bilateral facet dislocation
iv) Flexion teardrop fx
v) Clay shoverler’s fx
List a fracture/dislocation that can occur from a hyperflexion + rotation mechanism.
i) Unilateral facet dislocation (locked facet)
List 5 fractures/dislocations that can result from a hyperextension mechanism.
i) Hyperextension dislocation
ii) Lamina fx
iii) Hangman’s fx
iv) C1 anterior arch avulsion fx = longus colli
v) Extension teardrop fx
Which injury results from a hyperextension + rotation mechanism?
Pillar fx
List 2 fx that result from a vertical compression mechanism?
i) Jefferson fx
ii) Burst fx
Which fracture/dislocation can result from a lateral flexion mechanism of injury?
Uncinate process fx
What is the measurement of offset in a Jefferson fx to be considered unstable?
Combined offset >7mm
Which intraspinal contrast is likely to have residual leftover?
pantopaque
What is the signal relationship of the VB and the disc on MRI T1?
VB should always have higher signal than disc!!!
