Spine Flashcards
What is the difference between syringomyelia and syringobulbia?
Syringomyelia is spinal cord; syringobulbia is brain stem.
What is the etiology of syringomyelia? (4)
- Cranocervical junction (Chiari malformities);
- spinal cord trauma;
- spinal cord tumors;
- post-infections
What are associated conditions with syringomyelia?
- congenital scoliosis (25-80%);
- Klippel-Feil;
- Charcot joints
What are the indications for an MRI with a patient with scoliosis? (5)
- abnormal curves - double apex (L);
- Neuro deficit/ABN reflexes;
- infantile/juvenile onset;
- Male;
- Kyphosis>30 degrees
Why do we need to identify a syrinx if there is a scoliosis?
Increased risk of neurological deficit if fusion is done with an undiagnosed syrinx.
What are the classifications of spinal cord tumors?
- Intradural - extramedullary;
- Intradural - intramedullary;
- Extradural
What is the most common intradural extramedullary tumor?
Schwannoma
What are the intradural extramedullary tumors?
- Schwannoma;
- Meningioma
Schwannoma is associated with which NF gene?
NF type II
What are 2 risk factors for spinal meningioma?
- NF II;
- Radiation
What is the Tx of spinal meningiona?
If Sx, complete Sx resection, Tx recurrence with radiation therapy
What are the 2 intramedullary intradural tumors?
- Astrocytoma;
- Ependymoma
What is the most common intradural intramedullary CNS tumor?
Ependymoma
How does one differentiate ependymoma from astrocytoma of CNS lesions?
- Astrocytoma - cerviothoracic, eosinophils on histology;
- Ependymoma - usually @ filium terminale, rosettes on hystology
What is the most concerning extradural tumor?
Lymphoma
What is the Tx of extradural lymphoma of the spine?
Chemo with methotrexate
What are 5 indicators of high energy trauma when considering C-spine injuries?
- > 35 mph MVA;
- > 10 feet;
- closed head injuries;
- neurodeficit referrable to C-spine;
- pelvis and extremity #s
What are 4 key history points for C-spine injuries?
- Ank. spond.;
- DISH;
- GLL/Marfans/ED;
- instrumentation/HW
What are 4 complications of late C-spine collar clearance?
- aspiration;
- resp function;
- decubitus ulcers;
- increased ICP
What is the immediate Tx of neurogenic shock?
- Swan-Ganz for fluid monitoring;
- pressors
What are 3 characteristics of spinal shock?
- flaccid paralysis;
- Bradycardia hypotension;
- absent Bulbocavernosis reflex
What are 5 contraindications to high dose methylprednisone?
- GSW;
- pregnancy;
- under 13 yoa;
- > 8 hours post injury;
- Bracial plexus injuries
What are the indications for decompression and stabilization for SCI GSW?
- progressive neurological deficit with retained bullet;
- cauda equina;
- retained bullet fragment within thecal sac (CSF can lead to lead poisoning)
What are the W/C functions of: 1. C3-C4; 2. C5; 3. C6; 4. C7
- C3-C4 - electric W/C with chin controls;
- C5 - electric W/C with hand controls;
- C6 - manual W/C with sliding board transfers;
- C7 - manual W/C with independent transfers
What is the most common incomplete cord injury?
Central cord
What are 4 key characteristics of central cord syndrome?
- motor deficit more to u/e than l/e;
- sacral sparing;
- good prognosis;
- often have permanent clumsy hands
What is the order of recovery for central cord syndrome?
- l/e first;
- bowel/bladder;
- prox u/e;
- distal u/e
What is the pathophys. of anterior cord syndrome?
- direct compression;
- anterior spinal artery injury
What are the key points for anterior cord syndrome?
- l/e more than u/e;
- loss LCT (motor), LST (pain, temp);
- preserved DC (vib, proprioception);
- worst prognosis of ISCI
What is the pathophys. of Brown-Sequard syndrome?
penetrating trauma
What are the physical findings in Brown-Sequard syndrome?
- ipsilateral - motor (LCST) - light touch, proprioception (DC);
- contralateral - pain, temp, light touch (LSTT)
What is the prognosis of Brown-Sequard syndrome?
Excellent - 99% ambulatory @ final followup
What are the key points of posterior cord syndrome?
- rare;
- Dorsal column affected;
- proprioception/vibration gone;
- motor/pain/light touch preserved
What is the most common cause of cauda equina syndrome?
disc protrusion (herniation)
What are 4 complications of cauda equina syndrome?
- sexual dysfunction;
- urinary dysfunction;
- chronic pain;
- persistent leg weakness
What is the most common complication of cervical laminoplasty?
C5
What nationality has a high frequency of isthmic spondylothesis?
Eskimo - > 50%
What 4 ligaments stabilize the occipitoatlantoaxial complex?
- transverse ligaments;
- paired alar ligaments;
- apical ligament;
- tectorial membrane
What is the Anderson and Montesano classification of the occipital condyle #s?
Type I - impact #, stable;
Type II - Basilar skull # with extension, stable;
Type III - avulsed alar ligament, can be unstable
What are the indications for operative management for OC #s?
- Type III with instability;
- neural compression;
- associated atlantoaxial or atlas injuries; Tx with OC - C2 or C3 fusion
What are the classifications of occipitocervical D/L?
Type I - anterior;
Type II - longitudinal;
Type III - posterior
What is Powers Ratio and its importance?
diagram: Powers Ratio = CD/AB; normal = 1;
1. > 1 concern for anterior D/L;
2. <1 post D/L, dens #, atlas #
What is a major contraindication to traction in cervical spine injuries?
OC D/L due to high (10%) rate of neurologic injury
Where is the thickest portion of the occiput?
5 cm lateral to the external occipital protuberance
What is the major complication associated with OC-cervical fusion?
Damage to major dural venous sinus located just inferior external occipital protuberance
Where do you place screws for OC fusion?
Safe zone located 2 cm lateral to EOP + 2 cm inferior to the EOP (Danger is dural venous plexus)
What are 9 causes of atlanto-axial instability?
- Down syndrome;
- RA;
- Os odontoideum;
- Type I odontoid #s;
- atlas #s;
- transverse ligament injury;
- JRA;
- Morquio’s;
- rotary atlanto-axial subluxation
What is the most important stabilizer of C1-C2 stability?
transverse ligament
What ADI is considered unstable in adults?
3.5 mm
What ADI is Sx indication in RA?
> 10 mm
What PADI or sac is indication for Sx in RA?
<14 mm
What sum of lateral mass overhang indicates transverse ligament disruption?
8.1 mm
What is C1 # classification?
Type I - isolated anterior/posterior arch #s;
Type II - Jefferson-Burst #, bilateral ant/post arch #s;
Type III - unilateral lateral mass #
What are 3 non-op indications for C1 #s?
- stable type I #s;
- stable type II #s - <3 m ADI or <8.1 displacement;
- stable type III #s <8.1 mm displacement
What are the indications for C1-C2 fusion or OC C2-C3 fusion in C1 #s?
- unstable type II #s;
- unstable type III #s;
- occipitocervical fusion if OC joint involved or poor purchase in C1
What are the options for fusing C1-C2?
- C1 lateral mass, C2 pars;
- C1 lateral mass, C2 pedicle;
- transarticular with Gallie/Brook/bone graft enhancement
What is the blood supply to Dens/C2?
- apex is carotid;
- base is vert.
What is the Andonson and D’Azunzo classification of C2 #s?
Type I - tip avulsion #s;
Type II - waist #s;
Type III -# extends into body
What are the radiographic parameters for atlanto-axial instability in OS odontoideum?
- need flex-ex films;
- ADI = > 10 mm;
- Sac or PADI < 13 mm
What is the Tx algorithm for C2 #/instability?
- OS odontoideum - observe;
- type I - cervical orthoses, 6-12 weeks;
- type II young - halo if RF (-), Sx if RF (+);
- type II old - collar if not Sx candidate, Sx if candidate;
- type III - hard cervical collar for 6-12 weeks
What are the indications for C2 osteosynthesis?
Type II C2 # with:
- acceptable alignment;
- # line perpendicular to screw trajectory;
- body habitus allows trajectory
What are the risk factors for C2 type II non-union? (5)
- > 5 mm displacement;
- # comminution;
- > 10 degrees angulation;
- age > 50;
- delay in Tx > 4 days
What is the order of ossification of the Dens?
Dens to base - about 6 yoa;
Tip to Dens - about 12 yoa;
Tip ossifies @ age 3
What is Levine and Edward’s classification of C2 Hangman’s #s?
- Type I - <3 mm displacement - not angulated;
- Type II - >3 mm displacement + angulated vertical # line;
- Type IIA - same as above but horizontal # line;
- Type III - Type I with B/L C2-C3 D/L
What is the Tx of type I Hangman’s #?
rigid cervical collar X 4-6/52
What is the Tx of type II Hangman’s #?
- If <5 mm - traction + halo;
- If >5 mm consider C1-C2 fusion
What is the Tx of type IIA Hangman’s #?
AVOID TRACTION due to horizontal # line;
Reduction + halo X 6-12/52 weeks
What is the Tx of type III Hangman’s #?
open reduction of facets with stabilization
What are the operative options for unstable Hangman’s #?
- Anterior C2-C3 interbody fusion;
- posterior C1-C3 fusion;
- B/L C2 pars osteosynthesis
How much displacement do UNI vs B/L facet dislocations lead to?
UNI - 25%;
B/L - 50%
What percentage of facet D/L will fail closed reduction?
26%
What lumbar Dx study leads to accelerated degenerative disc disease?
provocative discography
What is the congenital cause of spinal steiosis and why?
- Achondoplasta;
- due to short pedicles + medially based facets
What is Kemp sign?
a unilateral radiculopathy made worse by bending backwards
Vasc. vs Neuro claudication? (5)
Neuro IS + postural, standing stationary, going up stairs easier, stationary bike easier, pulses normal
What are the 7 steps of pedicle to pedicle decompression?
- remove spine proc.;
- remove lamina to LF;
- preserve PARS int.;
- decompress pedicle above;
- decompress pedicle below;
- decompress lateral recess;
- ensure no disc remnant
When to instrument with ped-to-ped decomp. for spinal stenosis? (3)
With segmental instability:
- spondy (isthmic);
- spondy (degen.);
- degen. scoliosis
What 2 factors create instability in L-spine?
- complete laminectomy;
- > 50% facetectomy
What is the most common cause of persistent pain following decomp. for spinal stenosis?
inadequate foraminal stensis
What is the outcome of the Sport Trial?
Better function + pain scores @ 4 years
What is Wiltse classification of spondylolisthesis?
Type I - dyplastic (congenital);
Type II - A-isthmic (fatigue #); B-isthmic (elongated ); C-isthmic (acute #);
Type III - degenerative;
Type IV - traumatic, not pars;
Type V - neoplastic
What defines a motion segment instability on flex/ex L-spine?
- 4 mm or >;
- 10 degrees > movement than adjacent motion seg.
What are the Myerding classifications?
Type I - <25%;
Type II - 25-50%;
Type III - 50-75%;
Type IV - 100%;
Type V - loptosis
Is degen. spondy of L-spine more common to men or women?
8X in women
What are the risk factors for degen. spondy? (3)
- woman;
- sacralization of L5;
- horizontal facets
What is the procedure of choice for failed posterior decomp. and in-situ fusion for degen. spondy?
Revision decomp. + fusion with anterior support (ALIF)
What are the risk factors for adjacent segment disease post decomp./fusion in L-spine? (4)
- age;
- increased levels you do;
- adjacent laminectomy;
- increases above L3
What effect has pedicle screws had on lumbar fusion?
decreased rates of pseudarthrosis
What is the most reliable predictor of clinical outcome of adult spinal deformity?
Sagittal balance
How much correction can you get with a SPO (Smith Pete Osteotomy)?
up to 10 degrees
How much correction can you get from a PSO (pedicle subtraction osteotomy)?
30-50 degrees
How much correction can you get from a VCR?
up to 45 degrees usually in rigid thoracic kyphosis/scoliosis
What are the indications for anterior procedures in adult spinal deformity? (4)
- curves > =70 degrees;
- rigid curves;
- isolated lumbar;
- L5/S1 ALIF when fusing to S1
What are the risk factors for pseudarthrosis? (7)
- age > 55;
- kyphosis > 20 degrees;
- (+) sagittal balance > 5 cm;
- hip OA;
- smoking;
- thoraco abdominal approach;
- incomplete lumbo pelvic fixation
What are the indications for posterior C1-C2 fusion in RA? (3)
- ADI => 10 mm;
- PADI/SAC - <14mm;
- progressive myelopathy
What is the most reliable measurement of basilar invagination?
Ranawat classification <15 mm arch C1 to pedicule C2
What is cervico-medullary angle and what is its meaning?
CMA <135 degrees suggest impending neuro impairment
What are the risk factors for subaxial instability? (4)
- steroids;
- males;
- seropositive RA;
- nodules present
What is the most reliable radiographic measurement to predict post-op neural recovery in RA C-spine Sx?
PADI >= 14 mm
What are the diagnostic criteria of ANK sponds?
- bilateral sacroiliitis;
- +/- uveitis; 3. HLA B27 (+)
What are the key physical exam tests for ANK sponds?
- chest wall expansion;
- Schober’s test;
- chin brow to vertical angle;
- hip flexion contraction;
- Faber test (sacroiliitis)
What is the most sensitive test to Dx #s in ANK sponds?
CT scan
What is definition of DISH?
non-marginal syndesmophytes @ 4 contiguous levels (Forestier disease)
What are the risk factors for DISH? (3)
- gout;
- hyperlipidemia;
- DM
Why is DISH preserved in L thoracic spine?
pulse of aorta is protective in that region
What do you need to counsel DISH patients undergoing THA?
HO (30-50%) <20 without DISH
What is the most common demographic with OPLL?
Asians
What is the surgical treatment for OPLL?
- anterior corpectomy +/- OPLL resection: a) kyphotic spine; b) OPLL falls within gap;
- posterior laminectomy + fusion - Lordotic spine
Where and at what age are C-spine injuries more common? ie. upper/lower spine
- above C3 8 years old;
- below C3 > 8 year old
What are the risk factors for C-spine injuries in children?
- head size;
- horizontal facets;
- lig. laxity;
- weaker muscles Number 2 through 4 increase physical motion
How far can peds spinal cord stretch without rupture?
5 cm
What are the differences in C-spine between adults and peds?
- ADI 5 mm (N);
. C3 vertebrae wedge;
- loss of lordosis;
- C2-C3 or C3-C4 pseudosubluxation (N) posterolaminar line <4 mm (N)
How do you determine how much cut-out is needed on a peds spine board?
Shoulders should be in-line with exterior auditory meatus
What is the most common associated injury with peds C-spine injury?
head injury
What are 4 reasons for increased mobility of peds C-spine compared to adults?
- increased ligament laxity;
- immature supporting structures;
- horizontal/shallow facets;
- NP has increased H2O content allowing movement
What are the indications for TLSO in peds? (3)
- comp. #s <50% anterior height loss;
- Burst # with no neuro + <50% retropulsion;
- purely osseous flex/dist injury
How do you differentiate pseudosubluxation form true C-spine subluxation in peds?
- <8 yoa pseudo;
- C2 on C3 pseudo;
- reduced with extension xray;
- C2 within 1.5 mm of Swischuk”s line;
- no Hx/PE trauma
What are the common causes of atlanto-axial rotary displacement (AARD)? (6)
- trauma;
- Grisel’s disease (retropharyngeal irritation);
- Down syndrome;
- RA;
- tumor;
- congenital
What is the Fielding classification of AARD?
Type I - uni facet subluxation;
Type II - uni facet with 5 mm anterolisthesis;
Type III - B/L facet with >5 mm anterolisthesis;
Type IV - posterial C1 displacement
What is the gold standard test for AARD?
Dynamic CT
What is the Tx algorithm for AARD?
subluxation:
<1 week - soft collar, NSAIDS, physio;
> 1 week - head halter traction - 5 lbs;
> 1 month - halo traction; > 3 months or neuro - posterior C1-C2 fusion
What are associated conditions in Klippel-Feil syndrome? (10)
- congen. scoliosis;
- Sprengel’s;
- renal aplasia;
- synkinesis;
- heart disease
- basilar invagination;
- AA instability (C1-C2);
- cervical stenosis;
- brainstem anomolies;
- adjacent level disease
What is the classic triad of Klippel-Feil syndrome?
- low posterior hair line;
- short webbed neck;
- decreased cervical ROM; Classic triad is seen in fewer than 50%
What are the surgical indications for Klippel-Feil syndrome?
- basilar invagination;
- chronic pain;
- myelopathy;
- C1-C2 instability;
- adjacent level disease
What tests must be ordered in Klippel-Feil syndrome? (2)
- cardiac U/S;
- renal ultrasound
What makes the decision whether or not Klippel-Feil patients can play contact sports?
cervical spine fusion above C3
What are the physical exam findings in congenital muscular torticollis?
head tilts toward affected side + rotates away
What is the imagine modality of choice to differentiate congenital torticollis from severe pathology?
U/S
What is the Tx algorithm for congenital muscular torticollis?
- If <1 year + <30 degrees - stretching (90% success);
- If >1 year - a) botox, b) Z-plasty, c) bipolar 5 cm release
What is the most common curve type for AIS?
right thoracic
What are the risk factors for curve progression in AIS? (8)
- magnitude > 25 degrees before skeletal maturity;
- <12 yoa;
- Tanner <3 (females);
- Risser 0-1;
- open triradiate;
- before menarche;
- thoracic >lumbar curves;
- double > single
What are the key physical findings for AIS? (scoliosis) (7)
- Adams forward bend;
- skin defects (spina bifida);
- shoulder height differences;
- cafe-au-lait;
- foot deformities (Cavovarus);
- asymmetric abdominal reflexes;
- thorough NV exam
How can you measure coronal balance?
C7 plumb to CSVL (diagram)
What are the indications for MRI in AIS (scoliosis)? (8)
- L thoracic curve;
- rapid progression;
- excessive kyphosis;
- structure anomolies (congenital);
- neuro Sx or pain;
- foot deformities;
- asymmetric ABDO reflexes;
- short angular curve
What are the indications for observation, bracing and Sx for AIS? (scoliosis)
- obs. - <25 degrees;
- brace - 25-50 degrees, flexible curves, Risser 0,1,or 2;
- Sx - Cobb >45 degrees
What are the indications for anterior/posterior Sx for AIS? (scoliosis)
- > 75 degrees;
- young age - girls <10, boys <13, Risser 0; prevent crankshaft
How do you define skeletal maturity for patient for AIS?
- Risser 4;
- 2 year post menarchal;
- <1 cm growth over 2 visits 6 months apart
What is stable vertebrae in scoliosis?
most cephalad vertebrae that is bisected by CSVL
Where should you stop proximal fusion in AIS Sx? (scoliosis)
1 or 2 levels above stable vertebrae
What is the risk of fusing to L4 or L5 in AIS Sx? (scoliosis)
increased incidence of low back pain as described by Cochrane
What is the definition of intra-op neuro event as defined by SSEP’s/MEP’s during spine manipulation?
a drop in amplitude > 50%
What is the algorithm for intra-op neuro event? (6)
- check technical error;
- check for low BP + Tx;
- check for low Hgb + Tx;
- lessen/reverse correction;
- remove instrumentation;
- implement wake up test
What is the most common bug for late spine infections?
P. Acnes (just like shoulder)
What are 2 medical complications of scoliosis Sx?
- staph.;
- superior mesenteric artery syndrome
What is the #1 risk factor for pseudarthrosis following scoli corrective Sx?
thoracic hyperkyphosis
List 6 neural axis abnormalities in idiopathic scoliosis.
- syringomyelia;
- Chiari;
- tethered cord;
- diastematomyelia;
- dysraphism;
- spinal cord tumor
What are the indications for an MRI in juvenile idiopathic scoliosis?
- age <10;
- curve >20 degrees
What is the Tx algorithm for juvenile idiopathic scoliosis?
skeletally immature patient, growing rods for curves > 50 degrees, then PSF +/- ASF once reaches skeletal maturity
What is the inheritance pattern of infantile idopathic scoliosis?
autosomal dominant
What should one look for on xrays in infantile idiopathic scoliosis?
- Cobb angle;
- vertebrae rib overlap;
- RVAD (rib vertebrae angle difference) - > 20 degrees has an increased risk of progression, < 20 degrees associated with spontaneous recovery
What are the indications for Mehta casting or TLSO in infantile idiopathic scoliosis?
- phase II ribs;
- RVAD > 20 degrees;
- Cobb > 25-30 degrees;
- flexible curves
What are the indications for growing rod construction in infantile idiopathic scoliosis?
- Cobb > 50 degrees;
- failed Mehta casting/bracing
What are the indications for Sx in neuro scoliosis in CP?
- curve > 50 degrees;
- pelvic obliquity with sitting imbalance
In what 2 neuro scoliosis is bracing contraindicated?
- muscular dystrophy;
- spina bifida
What are the indications for scoliosis correction in muscular dystrophy?
- curve > 20 degrees;
- progressive curve;
- Tx before respiratory decline
What are the causes (syndromes) for neuro scoliosis? (5)
- CP;
- SMA;
- muscular dystrophy;
- spina bifida/trauma;
- polio
What type of CP is most at risk of developing scoliosis?
spastic quadriplegia
When should one extend to pelvis in CP scoliosis? Why?
- If pelvic obliquity > 15 degrees;
- to prevent pseudoarthrosis
What are the key components of pre-op assessment of CP scoliosis patient?
- multi-disciplinary;
- nutritional status > 3.5 g/dl albumin;
- respiratory status;
- GI evaluation (GERD = aspiration);
- neuro function (seizure disorder) If valproic acid, then increased bleeding risk
What are the common causes of pathologic scoliosis?
- osteoid osteoma;
- osteoblastoma
What are 2 positive prognostic factors for spontaneous resolution of scoliosis following osteoid osteoma resection?
- child <10 yoa;
- resection occurred within 15 months of onset of scoliosis
What are the syndromes associated with congenital scoliosis?
- VACTERL;
- Goldenhar;
- Jarcho-Levin;
- Klippel-Feil;
- Alagille syndrome
Which vertebrae morphology is associated with the highest progression of curve in congenital scoliosis?
unilateral unsegmented BAR with contralateral hemivertebrae
Which vertebrae morphology is least likely to cause curve progression in congenital scoliosis?
block vertebrae
What are 3 mandatory tests in congenital scoliosis?
- MRI spine;
- echocardiogram;
- renal U/S
What neural axis defects are found in congenital scoliosis?
- syrinx;
- diastematomyelia;
- tethered cord;
- Chiari;
- intradural lipoma
What are the indications for scoliosis corrective Sx in congenital scoliosis?
- significant progression;
- neuro deficits;
- respiratory failure;
- failure of formation with contralateral failure of segmentation
How does one decide on posterior or anterior + posterior scoliosis correction in congenital scoliosis?
- AGE - <12 boys and <10 girls - anterior/posterior, +/- growing rods; >12 boys and >10 girls post insitu;
- failure of formation with failure of segmentation = ant/post +/- vertebrectomy
What are the indications for hemiepiphysiodesis in congenital scoliosis? (3)
- patient <5 yoa;
- intact discs/growth plates on concave side;
- curve <40-50 degrees
What is the definition of Scheuermann’s kyphosis?
- > 45 degrees;
- anterior wedge of > 5 degrees across 3 vertebrae
What is the inheritance pattern of Scheuermann’s kyphosis?
autosomal dominant
What is the normal thoracic kyphosis range?
25-45 degrees T5-T12
What is the Tx algorithm for Scheuermann’s kyphosis?
- observe if <60 degrees;
- brace and observe if 60-80 degrees + Risser <3;
- PSF with rods +/- interbody fusion a)kyphosis >75 degrees and rigid, b) neuro deficit, c) cord compression, d) severe pain in adults
What is the mechanism of spondy in adolescents?
repetitive micro #s due to hyperextension stress (gymnast, lineman, weight lifter)
What is a listhetic crisis in peds spondy?
- severe back pain - worse with extension and relieved by rest;
- neuro deficit;
- hamstring spasm
What are the special physical exam tests for peds spondylolisthesis?
- single limb stance;
- popliteal angle for hamstring tightness;
- detailed neuro exam
What is the first investigation to do when lumbar pain in adolescent?
xrays
What is the next investigation to do in lumbar pain in peds if xrays are negative?
SPECT
Can kids with spondylolisthesis participate in contact sports?
- Asymptomatic low grade (ie. I or II) - Yes;
- Symptomatic low grade (ie. I or II) - No
What is the Sx and Tx algorithm for spondylolisthesis in peds?
- low grade failed cons. management - L5-S1 in situ fusion;
- high grade failed cons. mangement - L4-S1 in situ fusion
What is the most common nerve root injury with spondylolisthesis reduction?
L5
What is the most common location for discitis inpeds?
L-spine
What is the earliest xray finding in peds discitis?
loss of lumbar lordosis
What is the Tx algorithm for peds discitis?
First, Tx IV antibiotics X 4-6 weeks;
Follow ESR/CRP if:
a) positive response then continue;
b) abcess/neuro go to surgical decompression;
c) negative response then CT guidedbiopsy R/O TB
What are the indications for closed cervical traction? (5)
- subaxial C-spine with malalignment;
- facet D/L;
- displaced odontoid;
- some Hangman’s #s;
- C1-C2 rotatory subluxation
What are 4 suspicious factors (red flags) for mets in vertebrae compression #s?
- # s above T5;
- atypical;
- constitutional Sx;
- younger patient with no fall
What are the components of spien PLC?
- supraspinous ligament;
- interspinous ligament;
- ligamentum flavum;
- facet joint capsules
What are the risk factors for degenerative disc disease?
- obesity;
- smoking;
- gender;
- lifting;
- vibration;
- prolonged sitting;
- job dissatisfaction
What are the Waddell signs?
- non-anatomical tenderness;
- pain with axial compression of the spine;
- reduced pain of SLR with distraction;
- non-dermatomal/myotomal ;
- over reaction to P/E
What is the most common level of disc herniation?
L5-S1
What is the mechanism of disc herniation reabsorption?
macrophage phagocytosis
How does one differentiate between recurrent disc and fibrosis post lumbar disc Sx?
MRI with GAD
- fibrosis enhances with GAD;
- recurrent disc does not enhance with GAD
What are the positive predictors post lumbar disc Sx?
- leg pain as chief component;
- SLR;
- weakness correlated with MRI;
- married
What is the most influential negative predictor post lumbar disc Sx?
WSIB