Spine Flashcards
The normal vertebral column has how many vertebrae?
33
Describe the number of vertebrae in each section of the spine
- 7 cervical
- 12 thoracic
- 5 lumbar
- 5 saccral
- 4 coccygeal (fused)
Wake up at 7, lunch at 12, dinner at 5.54
Which vertebrae allow head rotation?
C1 and C2
What is the first prominent vertebrae in all humans?
C7
C1 and C2 have discs between them. True/false?
False - all others have this
Which type of joint is the disc in the spine
Secondary cartilaginous
The superior and inferior articular joints are which type of joint?
Synovial
Which region of the spine allows the greatest range of movement?
Cervical
What % of patients will have bulging discs on MRI?
60% of those over 45 years old
Acute disc prolapse is most common at which levels?
L4/L5 or L5/S1
What’s a sign of acute disc prolapse (respiratory)?
Pain is worse upon coughing
The spinal cord ends at which level?
L1 (Cauda Equina)
A nerve exiting the spinal cord passes under the pedicle of which vertebrae?
The corresponding one of the same level (i.e. L4 passes under L4)
A radiculopathy (e.g. pinched nerve) is what
Pain down the sensory distribution of a nerve root (dermatome) and weakness in any muscle supplied
Spinal stenosis is an important cause of what type of claudication?
Neurogenic
People with spinal stenosis will normally find it easier walking up or downhill?
Uphill (naturally encourages spinal flexion which increases the diameter of the area the nerve is trapped in)
Cauda Equina is caused by pressure on which nerve roots?
All the lumbo-sacral roots.
Classical signs for Cauda Equina (4)
1) Bladder dysfunction
2) Bowel dysfunction
3) Saddle anaesthesia
4) Loss of anal tone
Erector muscles of spine include (3)
- Iliocostalis
- Longissimus thoracis
- Spinalis thoracis
Chance fracture commonly caused by what?
Seatbelt (flexion injury of spine)
