Spine And Imaging

Question 0

Herniated/slipped disc

Answer 0

Discs can degenerate/become thin (dehydration)
Annulus of disc may rupture or tear, allowing nucleus pulposus to herniate out of IV joint
Disc may impinge/compress spinal nerves –> pain, sciatica

Question 1

Scoliosis

Answer 1

Abdominal curvature in coronal plane

Can be result of leg discrepancies, unilateral weakness or spinal muscles, vertebral abnormalities

Question 2

Tendon reflexes

Answer 2

Examination of PNS
Diminished brisk –> lesion of upper/lower motor neurone
Upper –> first-order –> don’t leave CNS
Lower –> second-order –> cranial and spinal nerves

Question 3

Plantar reflex

Answer 3

Stroke sole of foot –> point downward plantar reflex

If point upwards and spread outwards –> positive result –> babinski response –> indicated upper motor nerve lesion

Question 4

Spina Bifida

Answer 4

Neural tube defect and failure of spines and arches of one or more vertebrae to develop
Degrees of severity and neurological involvement
Occulta - body defect in spinous process (typically lumbar) not observable unless X-Ray
Meningocele - CSF filled meninges
Meningomyelocele - protrusion of spinal cord, vulnerable to infection

Question 5

Hemivertebra

Answer 5

Development of only half - weight bearing affected

Wedgeshaped

Question 6

Lumbar puncture

Answer 6

Major contraindication - raised pressure in the head
Foetal position –> flex –> opens spinous processes in lumbar region
Skin>subcutaneous fat>ligaments>dura>arachnoid>subarachnoid CSF
1-4 inches
Straw coloured –> healthy fluid