Spinal disorders

Question 1

Does mechanical back pain present gradually or suddenly?

Answer 1

60% sudden episode

Question 2

Three differentials for back pain

Answer 2

mechanical
OA of spine
prolapsed intervertebral disc
spinal stenosis
spondylolisthesis
discitis
inflammatory causes
malignancy
fracture

Question 3

What is the aeitology/pathophysiology of nerve root impingement

Answer 3

nucleus pulpous prolapses via defect in degenerative annulus fibrous, compressing the adjacent nerve root or exiting nerve root

Question 4

List three signs on examination for cauda equina syndrome that you might find

Answer 4

limb weakness
gait disturbance
hyperreflexia/upgoing plantars/clonus- UMN signs
URINE RETENTION
DRE- saddle anaesthesia and loss of tone

Question 5

Where does the spinal cord terminate?

Answer 5

L1/L2

Question 6

List one risk factor/association of vertebral osteomelitis

Answer 6

IV drug use
sepsis from another source
post spinal surgery

Question 7

What is the treatment for spinal cord compression?

Answer 7

radiotherapy!! or surgical decompression

Question 8

Which are the most stable types of spine fractures?

Answer 8

isolated anterior column/wedge compression