Spine Pathology Flashcards
Vertebral bone in the spine collapses, causing the spine to shorten and often fall forward
Vertebral compression fracture (VCF)
Herniations of the nucleus pulposus into the body of the vertebral immediately inferior or superior to the disc
Schmorl’s nodes
Inflammation of the vertebrae; can cause severe pain and eventual bone deformation
Spondylitis
Congenital defect in the formation of the oars interarticularis
Spondylolysis
Nucleus pulposus can break through a torn or weakened annulus fibrosus, can compress the nerve structures
Nucleus pulposus hernia (NPH)
Abnormal excess development of vertebral bone, such as bone spurs or osteophytes, can also lead to stenosis of the spinal canal
Spondylosis
General term for inflammation of the joints and includes several different joint diseases
Arthritis
Lateral deviation of the spine
Scoliosis
Hunchback
Kyphosis
Vertebral body and part of the vertebral arch is displaced forward; can cause acute compression of nerve roots
Spondylolisthesis
Swayback
Lordosis
How does NPH progress?
The IVD pathology usual starts as micro fractures in the anulus fibrosus. This weakened area allows for protrusion of the anulus fibrosus into the spinal canal and/or vertebral foramen
What is the natural disease progression for a herniated disc?
- protrusion of anulus fibrosus into the spinal cord
- if pathology persists, hernia of the nucleus pulposus will ensue
- advanced stage: fragment of nucleus pulposus becomes dislodged and can be found as a free fragment within spinal canal
How many spinal fractures in the US annually?
700,000 from osteoporosis
*1/3 are clinically diagnosed each year
Why is VCF a condition worth treating?
Reduced quality of life and increased mortality risk resulting from their first fracture
What is the connection between corticosteroid use and osteoporosis?
Corticosteroid use increases risk for secondary osteoporosis
What are the two common cancers that contribute to spinal fractures?
- Bone metastases (starts in one location and migrates to bone)
- multiple myeloma (cancer of plasma cells in bone marrow)
Skeletal condition characterized by a reduction in the mass of the bone affected and an increase risk in fractures
Osteoporosis
Bone condition in which the concentration of minerals is diminished and total bone mass is reduced
Osteopenia
Identifiable osteoporosis causes (4)
- assoc. with an endocrine disease
- secondary to malnutrition or malabsorption
- secondary to paralysis or reduced muscular activity
- related to an inflammatory or auto-immune disease
Positive risk factors for osteoporosis (5):
- Ca intake
- exercise
- Fluoride supplement
- moderate alcohol consumption
- obesity
Negative risk factors for osteoporosis (6):
- aging
- gonadal hormones
- oophorectomy without HRT
- high protein diet
- vit D deficiency
- smoking
