Spine

Question 1

The normal vertebral column has how many vertebrae?

Answer 1

33

Question 2

Describe the number of vertebrae in each section of the spine

Answer 2

• 7 cervical
• 12 thoracic
• 5 lumbar
• 5 saccral
• 4 coccygeal (fused)

Wake up at 7, lunch at 12, dinner at 5.54

Question 3

Which vertebrae allow head rotation?

Answer 3

C1 and C2

Question 4

What is the first prominent vertebrae in all humans?

Answer 4

C7

Question 5

C1 and C2 have discs between them. True/false?

Answer 5

False - all others have this

Question 6

Which type of joint is the disc in the spine

Answer 6

Secondary cartilaginous

Question 7

The superior and inferior articular joints are which type of joint?

Answer 7

Synovial

Question 8

Which region of the spine allows the greatest range of movement?

Answer 8

Cervical

Question 9

What % of patients will have bulging discs on MRI?

Answer 9

60% of those over 45 years old

Question 10

Acute disc prolapse is most common at which levels?

Answer 10

L4/L5 or L5/S1

Question 11

What’s a sign of acute disc prolapse (respiratory)?

Answer 11

Pain is worse upon coughing

Question 12

The spinal cord ends at which level?

Answer 12

L1 (Cauda Equina)

Question 13

A nerve exiting the spinal cord passes under the pedicle of which vertebrae?

Answer 13

The corresponding one of the same level (i.e. L4 passes under L4)

Question 14

A radiculopathy (e.g. pinched nerve) is what

Answer 14

Pain down the sensory distribution of a nerve root (dermatome) and weakness in any muscle supplied

Question 15

Spinal stenosis is an important cause of what type of claudication?

Answer 15

Neurogenic

Question 16

People with spinal stenosis will normally find it easier walking up or downhill?

Answer 16

Uphill (naturally encourages spinal flexion which increases the diameter of the area the nerve is trapped in)

Question 17

Cauda Equina is caused by pressure on which nerve roots?

Answer 17

All the lumbo-sacral roots.

Question 18

Classical signs for Cauda Equina (4)

Answer 18

1) Bladder dysfunction
2) Bowel dysfunction
3) Saddle anaesthesia
4) Loss of anal tone

Question 19

Erector muscles of spine include (3)

Answer 19

• Iliocostalis
• Longissimus thoracis
• Spinalis thoracis

Question 20

Chance fracture commonly caused by what?

Answer 20

Seatbelt (flexion injury of spine)