Spinal injuries

Question 1

Describe the management of rib fractures

Answer 1

6 intense care required

Question 2

Symptoms of rib fractures

Answer 2

Sudden pain, difficult breathing, bruising, tenderness

Question 3

Complications of rib fractures

Answer 3

Pneumothorax, pneumonia, blood loss, internal organ damage, respiratory failure

Question 4

What is spondylolisthesis?

Answer 4

Defined as a forward displacement of one vertebra over another

Question 5

How is spondylolisthesis graded?

Answer 5

Graded objectively on the amount of slippage and can cause pressure on the spinal cord

Question 6

Symptoms of spondylolisthesis?

Answer 6

Back ache, step deformity, leg pain, increased lumbar lordosis, muscle spasms

Question 7

Treatments of spondylolisthesis?

Answer 7

Avoid painful posture

Perform core stability exercises eg pelvic tilts, hip extension,bridging

Question 8

What is disc herniation?

Answer 8

A slipped disk is where all or part of a spinal risk is forced through a weakened part of a risk, which places pressure on the nearby nerves

Question 9

How is slipped disk caused?

Answer 9

By trauma/strain

Can be by prolapse into posterior aspect of spine and compression on spinal cord

Question 10

Symptoms of slipped disk?

Answer 10

Nerve root compression, back pain, arse pain and sciatica

Question 11

Treatments of slipped disk?

Answer 11

Core stability exercises, spinal extension, manipulation, discotomy