Spine Flashcards
Which vertebra is most prominent in the neck?
C7
In which region of the spine are the vertebral bodies the largest?
Lumbar
What is the difference in naming of spinal nerves in cervical region and below?
In cervical region, spinal nerves exit above corresponding number vertebra
In thoracic region and below, spinal nerves exit below corresponding vertebra
C8 spinal nerve is anomaly, there is no c8 vertebra
What forms the border of the intervertebral foramen through which the spinal nerves emerge?
Pedicle
IV disc
Articular processes and synovial joints
What does the posterior ramus supply?
Muscle of back and small part of dermatome
Where does posterior ramus run and can this cause back pain?
Runs close to zygopophyseal joint which can be impinged and cause back pain
What happens in the anterior white commissure of the spinal cord?
Axons crossing left to right
In what regions of the spinal cord can the lateral horn be found?
T1-L2 and S2-4 autonomic region
What are the 3 meningeal layers and what is between them?
Pia mater Subarachnoid space - CSF Arachnoid mater Subdural space - potential space Dura mater Epidural space - veins and fat
At what level does the adult spinal cord terminate?
L1/2
At what level does the spinal cord terminate at, at birth?
L3/4
At what vertebral level does the subarachnoid space end at?
S2
Where does the filum terminale end?
At coccyx - fibrous cord
What is the cauda equina?
Collection of lumbar and sacral spinal nerves
Supplies lower limbs, pelvic floor, urinary & anal sphincters
At what vertebral level does the lumbar part of the spinal cord sit?
T12
At what vertebral level does the sacral spinal cord sit?
L1
Where do lumbar and sacral spinal nerves run?
Through subarachnoid space to exit below their correspondingly numbered vertebrae
How can the L4 spinous process be found?
Level of iliac crests - supracristal plane
How would you angle a needle in order to perform a lumbar puncture?
Antero superiorly
15% cephalad orientation
What structures will a lumbar puncture penetrate?
Skin
Supra spinous and inter spinous ligaments
Ligamentum flavum
Why do the patients oxygen sats need monitoring during a lumbar puncture?
Postural positioning - knees to chest
Reduced functioning of diaphragm in this position so if left there for too long, can cause issues
Where is the epidural space in 80% of population?
~4.5–5.5 cm from the skin in the midline
When performing an epidural in the thoracic region, what will you do differently to the approach in the lumbar?
Needle angle more cephalad to avoid contacting bone
At what points can spinal anaesthesia be performed?
L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1
Which layer is spinal anaesthesia inserted into?
CSF in subarachnoid space
What 4 things might require spinal anaesthesia?
Operative
Obstetrics
Orthopaedics
Pain management
Where is the sacral hiatus?
Inferior apex of equilateral triangle measured between posterior superior iliac spines
In upper part of natal cleft
How is the needle inserted for caudal anaesthesia?
Introduced at right angle at sacral hiatus
Then angled towards head and advanced