SST Flashcards
Deterioration or disease of the spinal cord
Myelopathy
A cell that forms bone
Osteoblast
A cell that resorbs bony tissue
Osteoclast
Deterioration or disease of a nerve root
Radiculopathy
Being of a density that allows passage of some or all x-rays. Most anatomical structures have some degree of radiolucency
Radiolucent
Being dense enough to block passage of some or all x-rays
Radiopaque
The posterior slippage of a vertebra in relation to the inferior adjacent vertebra
Retrolisthesis
Kyphotic condition resulting from idiopathic aseptic necrosis of the vertebral bodies. Also referred to as juvenile kyphosis
Sheuermanns disease
Pain in the lower back and hip that radiates into the back of the thigh and leg; results from compression of the L5 or S1 nerve root
Sciatica
The anterior slippage of a vertebra in relation to the inferior adjacent vertebra
Spondylolisthesis
A defect in a vertebra, usually in the area of the para interarticularis, in which the vertebral body maintains relatively normal alignment
Spondylolysis
A spondylolisthesis of L5 in which the vertebral body has slipped entirely off the top of the sacrum and into the pelvic cavity
Spondyloptosis
The degenerative changes that occur in the articulation points of a vertebra; essentially, arthritis of the spine
Spondylosis
The narrowing of a tube or passage
Stenosis
Relative to the spine, a partial or incomplete vertebral slip in relation to the adjacent vertebrae. Commonly referred to as spondylolisthesis
Subluxation
Inflammation of a synovial membrane
Synovitis
Posterior spinal muscle group that works collectively to maintain an upright posture
Tension band
Describe the position of the spine, relative to the pelvis, in the coronal and sagittal planes in normal balance
Balanced over the pelvis in the frontal or coronal plane. Balanced over the femoral heads in the sagittal plane.
Describe the position of the spine, relative to the pelvis, and the coronal and sagittal planes in imbalance
Loss of sagittal balance results in head posture anterior to the hips (kyphotic curve).
Loss of coronal balance results in uneven pelvis and shoulders (scoliotic deformities).
Which planes are affected by adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?
Coronal and Sagittal
List the four broad categories of etiologies of scoliosis
1) Neuromuscular curves
2) congenital curves
3) curves resulting from a specific disorder (disease, tumor, or trauma)
4) idiopathic curves
Example of Neuropathic disorders
1) Polio
2) Spinocerebral dysfunction
3) Cerebral Palsy
Example of myopathic disorders
1) Arthorgryposis
2) Muscular Dystrophy
List the three main categories of idiopathic scoliosis and children
1) Infantile (birth to 3 years)
2) juvenile (3 to 10 years)
3) adolescent (10 to 17 years)
Briefly describe - classification of curve evaluation process of scoliosis
Curve pattern, curve magnitude (region and direction; major or minor)
Briefly describe- risk of progression evaluation process of scoliosis
Takes into account the gender, magnitude, curve pattern, age of onset, and skeletal maturity of patient
Briefly describe- treatment by observation evaluation process for scoliosis
Observing the patient for curve progression on a frequent basis
Briefly describe - operative treatment evaluation process of scoliosis
Objective is to achieve a solid fusion (arthrodesis) with instrumentation
Radiographic technique in which contrast material is injected into the subarachnoid space of the cauda equina and x-rays or CT scans are taken; allows visualization of the neurological structures
Myelogram
Describe a structural curve/major curve
Generally at least 10° greater than a minor curve (largest cobb measurement on a standing x-ray)
Describe a nonstructural curve/minor curve/compensatory curve
They develop in an attempt to keep the patient’s head and trunk balanced in the coronal plane (curves that do not have the largest cobb angle)
Describe how a bending film is taken and what it shows
Generally taken in a supine position so the maximum flexibility can be determined. Manual pressure or forcible traction may be applied.
Describe how you identify the end vertebrae for a Cobb angle measurement
The last vertebrae on each end of the curve that are tilted into the concavity of the curve. The first vertebra in which the opposite disc space is wider is not considered to be part of the curve, therefore the adjacent vertebra is the end vertebra in the curve
What is the difference between a postural and structural kyphosis
Postural kyphosis is poor posture controlled by the patient and corrected by the patient.
Structural kyphosis the patient cannot consciously correct.
What are the normal degrees of sagittal curvature in the cervical and lumbar curve of the spine?
Cervical: 20° to 40°
Thoracic: 20° to 40°
Lumbar: 30° to 50°
What is Sheuermann’s disease?
Common form of primary hyperkyphosis; etiology unknown, genetic; flexion deformity (juvenile kyphosis)
Describe the difference between a curve with a smooth radius and a curve with an angular radius
The greater radius is a smoother curve. Angular curve has a greater risk of progression.
Describe Marchetti and Bartolozzi’s classification system for spondylolisthesis
Developmental or acquired categories; high or low dysplastic; combined with Wiltse’s dysplastic and isthmic forms into one category, further into low or high
Describe the clinical presentation of a child or adolescent with spondylolisthesis
Low back pain, mild headache (resulting from sports); radicular symptoms in back of thighs; stand with knees and hip partially flexed and walk with a shuffling gait
Describe the clinical presentation of an adult with spondylolisthesis
Similar to children; significant back pain or with sciatica; normally older than 50; may cause limping (claudication); decreased vascular circulation
On what type of X-ray will you see Napoleon’s hat?
AP x-ray
On what type of x-ray will you see the Scotty dog sign?
Oblique
Describe Meyerding’s Grade 1 Spondylolisthesis slip
Less than 25% translation
Describe Meyerding’s Grade 2 Spondylolisthesis slip
25% to 49%
Describe Meyerding’s Grade 3 Spondylolisthesis slip
50% to 74%
Describe Meyerding’s Grade 4 Spondylolisthesis slip
75% to 99%
Describe Meyerding’s Grade 5 Spondylolisthesis slip
Spondyloptosis