Spinal Conditions Flashcards
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc is a displacement of disc material beyond the intervertebral disc space; a tear in the outer fibrous ring of the IVD allows soft central portion to bulge out beyond the damaged outer ring
Describe the risk factors for a herniated disc
Most common in young and middle aged adults; repetitive mechanical activities can lead to disc damage; living a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, obesity, tobacco abuse
What is the cause of a herniated disc?
Most common is a degenerative ageing process whereby the nucleus pulposus becomes less hydrated and weakens. Second most common cause is trauma.
What is spinal stenosis?
The narrowing of one or more areas of the spine; most often occurs in the lumbar or cervical spine; can put pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves
What are the risk factors for spinal stenosis?
Being born with a narrow spinal canal
Being female
Age >50 years
A previous injury or surgery to the spine
Some medical conditions - osteoarthritis, bony spurs, inflammatory spondyloarthritis, spinal tumours, paget’s disease
What is Spondylolisthesis?
The slippage of one vertebral body with respect to the adjacent vertebral body causing mechanical or radicular symptoms or pain
Describe how Spondylolisthesis occurs
Most commonly preceded by spondylolysis, which involves a fractured pars interarticularis of the lumbar vertebrae. This affects the supporting structural integrity of the vertebrae, which could lead to slippage of the body of the vertebrae.
How is Spondylolisthesis graded?
Meyerding classification - the degree of slippage of one vertebral body on the adjacent vertebral body
What is Cauda Equina?
A neurological condition affecting the bundle of nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord. CES occurs when the nerves below the spinal cord are compressed causing compromise to the bladder and bowel.
What are some of the common causes of Cauda Equine?
Herniated lumbar IVD Epidural abscess Tumour Trauma Spinal stenosis
Describe the clinical presentation of Cauda Equina
Bilateral neurogenic sciatica Reduced perineal sensation Altered bladder function leading to painless retention Loss of anal tone Loss of sexual function
What is spondylosis?
A unilateral or bilateral bony defect in the pars interarticularis or isthmus of the vertebra.
Describe the aetiology of spondylosis
Appears in the first or second decade of life; prevalence increases with age until 20; men affected twice as often as women; more common in the young athletic population
Define Whiplash Associated Disorder
Describes injuries sustained as a result of sudden acceleration-deceleration movements; affecting a variety of structures in the cervical spine
Define Radiculopathy
A clinical condition which involves one or more nerves resulting in impaired function. The problem occurs at or near the site of the origin of the nerve root as it exits from the spinal cord, but the pain and accompanying symptoms usually radiate to the part of the body that is supplied by that specific nerve.
