Strain Patterns

Question 1

Flexion/Extension: What are the axes of rotation? Do the sphenoid and occiput rotate in same/opposite direction? What are the palpatory findings (pt is supine)?

Answer 1

2 Transverse axises:
1) through the sphenosquamous pivot through the body of the sphenoid just anterior to the sella turcica
2) just superior to the jugular process at the level of the SBS
Rotation is opposite with these planes. Physiologic= opposite, pathologic=same direction
Sphenoid and Occiput Rotate: opposite directions
Palp: flexion = inferior motion; extension = superior motion

Question 2

Torsion: What is it named by? What are the axes of rotation? Do the sphenoid and occiput rotate in same/opposite direction? What are the palpatory findings (pt is supine)? What are the mechanisms of injury?

Answer 2

Named by: greater wing of sphenoid
1 A/P axis: axis runs from nasion to opisthion
Sphenoid and Occiput Rotate: opposite directions

Palp:
Right torsion:
right index finger moves superiorly and pinky finger moves inferiorly
left index finger moves inferiorly and pinky finger moves superiorly

Left torsion:
left index finger moves superiorly and pinky finger moves inferiorly
right index finger moves inferiorly and pinky finger moves superiorly

Injury: 1) blow from above or below on the anterior quadrant (frontal/cheek)
2) blow from above or below on posterior quadrant (parietal/occiput)

Question 3

Side-bending rotation: What is it named by? What are the axes of rotation? Do the sphenoid and occiput rotate in same/opposite direction? What are the palpatory findings (pt is supine)? What are the mechanisms of injury?

Answer 3

Named by: side of convexity
2 Vertical axes: 1) body of sphenoid 2) through foramen magnum
1 A/P axis: axis runs from nasion to opisthion

Sphenoid and Occiput Rotate: opposite directions (2 vertical axes); SAME direction (A/P axis)

Palp:
Right SBR:
right hand moves inferiorly and fingers spread out
left hand moves superiorly and fingers come closer together

Left SBR:
left hand moves inferiorly and fingers spread out
right hand moves superiorly and fingers come closer together

Injury: blow directly at the level of the SBS

Question 4

Vertical: What is it named by? What are the axes of rotation? Do the sphenoid and occiput rotate in same/opposite direction? What are the palpatory findings (pt is supine)? What are the mechanisms of injury?

Answer 4

Named by: base of sphenoid
2 Transverse axises: 1) through the sphenosquamous pivot through the body of the sphenoid just anterior to the sella turcica 2) just superior to the jugular process at the level of the SBS

Sphenoid and Occiput Rotate: SAME direction

Palp: 
Superior Vertical: 
Pinky fingers move superiorly
Index fingers move inferiorly
pour the soup out

Inferior Vertical:
Pinky fingers move inferiorly
Index fingers move superiorly

Injury:
Superior Vertical: 1) blow on vertex posterior to SBS but anterior to occipital axis 2) blow through mouth anterior to SBS but posterior to sphenoid axis

Inferior Vertical: 1) blow on vertex anterior to SBS but posterior to sphenoid axis 2) blow through the heels posterior to SBS but anterior to occipital axis

Question 5

Lateral: What is it named by? What are the axes of rotation? Do the sphenoid and occiput rotate in same/opposite direction? What are the palpatory findings (pt is supine)? What are the mechanisms of injury?

Answer 5

Named by: base of sphenoid
2 Vertical Axes: 1) body of sphenoid 2) through foramen magnum

Sphenoid and Occiput Rotate: SAME direction

Palp:
Left Lateral: Pinky fingers move to left; Index fingers move to right

Right Lateral: Pinky fingers move to right; Index fingers move to left

Injury: blow to the side of the head anterior or posterior to the SBS

Question 6

Compression: What are the axes of rotation? What are the mechanisms of injury?

Answer 6

No movement or chaotic motion.
No axis.
Injury: blow to the side of the head anterior or posterior to the SBS