Spinal injury Flashcards
name some unique features of cervical vertebrae bodies
they have a bifid spinous process and transverse foramen
which aspects of the spinal cord suffer from lordosis
the cervical and the lumbar spine
what part o the spinal cord suffers from kyphosis
the thoracic segment
where does the conus medularis begin
at L1 - the spinal cord ends at L1 and the conus medularis begins at L1
what is the difference between a dermatome and a myotome
a dermatome is an area of skin that is supplied by a single spinal nerve and a myotome is a group of muscles that are all innervated by a single spinal nerve
what are the 2 main causes of spinal cord injuries
falls and RTAs
what classification is used to describe spinal cord injuries
ASIA classification - Group A-E A - no sensory or motor abilities B - sensory present but no motor functioning C - motor <3 D - motor >3 but not complete E - normal motor and sensory
what is meant by tetraplegia
this is the full or partial paralysis of all 4 limbs - the lesion is in the cervical spine and respiratory failure occurs as the phrenic nerves are damaged
what is meant by paraplegia
the paralysis of the legs - bladder and bowel functions are affected
what is meant by central cord syndrome
this is an incomplete spinal injury that usually results in impairment of the hands and arms
what is meant by anterior cord syndrome
this is when there has been disruption of the blood flow int he anterior spinal cord artery and as a result there is a loss of motor function and pain/temperature sensation (Note due to the location of the proprioception and vibration tracts in the spinal column, these functions are usually preserved)
what is meant by Brown-Sequard syndrome
Loss of motor and general sensation on the affected side and pain and temperature sensation on the unaffected side
what is meant by spinal shock
this is the temporary loss of all function below the level of injury that can last several hours or days after the injury. there is usually flaccid paralysis. reflexes are lost
what is neurogenic shock
this results from severe mental nervous system damage and results in hypotension, bradycardia and hypothermia
how are fractures most commonly stabilised
pedicle screws are often used to stabilise fractures
