spinal disorders Flashcards
what shape does the spine make
the spine has three natural curves to make an S - Shape
what do the three natural curves of the spine do?
absorb shock and protect the spine from injury
what is the spinal vertebrae and how many are there ?
33 vertebrae
the vertebrae of the spine forms the spinal canal; this houses the spinal cord and its nerves and protects them from injury
what are the CARTILAGE spinal joints of the spine called
facet joints
function of the facet joints
connections between the
bones of the spine
what passes through the facet joints to travel from the spinal cord to other body parts
nerve roots
what opening does the nerve root exit from of the spinal cord to reach the body?
the spinal canal
what are intervertebral discs?
discs between each vertebrae and act as the spine’s shock absorbers.
what are the soft tissues of the spine and what do each of the 3 aid in?
soft tissues include ligamenets, muscles and tendons.
Ligaments connect the vertebrae to hold the spine in position.
- Muscles support the back and help you move.
- Tendons connect muscles to bone and aid movement.
the spinal vertebrae are split up into 5 segments called ?
cervical 1-8
thoracic 1- 12
lumbar 1-5
saccral 1-5
coccygeal 1/2
what is spinal dysraphism
congenital spinal disorders affecting the spine, spinal cord, or nerve roots.
dysraphism means = incomplete fusion
spina bifida oculta (hidden/closed)
- mild type
- small gap in spine
- due to incomplete bone
formation during pregnancy. - assymptomatic at times, HOWEVER, maybe:
1. patch of hair or
2. red mark at the base of spine.
Spina bifida open:
there are two types, which are called ?
- Meningocele
- Myelomeningocele
spinal bifida open: MENINGOCELE
what is meningocele?
- spinal fluid filled sac pushes through gap
- skin over sac is open
- spine is in its normal place in the spinal canal
spinal bifida open: mylomeningocele
what is myelomeningocele?
- most severe
- fluid filled, meninges filled, nerve roots filled sac pushes through the gap in the spine AND THE SKIN
- visible on the baby’s
back
types of spinal curve disorders ?
- lordosis ( normal curvature of spine)
- kyphosis
- scoliosis
main 2 symptoms of spinal curve disorders ?
discomfort and pain
what is lordosis ?
Lordosis is a natural curve in the neck
or lower back.
types:
lumbar lordosis
cervical lordosis
what is kyphosis?
excessive curvature of the thoracic spine.
an excessive curvature of the thoracic spine ( kyphosis ) can be seen in what condition in young pp’s ?
Such problems occur at a young
age with Scheuermann’s disease,
also called Scheuermann’s
kyphosis,
what is scoliosis ?
an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine
types of scoliosis ?
thoracic scoliosis
lumbar scoliosis
thoraco-lumbar scoliosis
combined scoliosis
causes of scoliosis ?
80% - idiopathic
or,
degeneration of the spinal discs
e.g. arthritis, osteoporosis or as
a hereditary condition.
What is Spondylolisthesis
- spine instability
- vertebrae moves more than they should.
- A vertebra slips out of place onto the vertebra below.
- pressure on nerve
- causing lower back pain or leg pain
symptoms of spondylolisthesis
lower back pain
leg pain
diffuse weakness ass. with prolonged standing or walking
tx of Spondylolisthesis?
surgery:
spinal fusion – the slipped vertebra is joined to the bone below with metal rods, screws & bone graft
lumbar decompression – a procedure to relieve pressure on the compressed spinal nerves