Surface anatomy and functional testing of the vertebral column

Question 1

What are the surface landmarks of the C7 vertebra?

Answer 1

Only cervical vertebra with a prominent spinous process

Subject should flex neck to emphasise

Question 2

What are the surface markings of T3 vertebra?

Answer 2

Level with the medial end of the scapular spine.

Question 3

What are the surface markings of T7 vertebra?

Answer 3

Level with the inferior angle of the scapula.

Question 4

What are the surface markings of L2 vertebra?

Answer 4

Level of the lowest part of the 12th rib.

Question 5

What are the surface markings of the L4 vertebra?

Answer 5

Level of the iliac crest.

Question 6

What is the range of motion for different regions of the vertebral column?

Answer 6

Cervical: flexion (45), lateral flexion (45), extension (45), rotation (80)

Thoracic: flexion (90), extension (30), rotation (30)

Lumbar: flexion (90), extension (30), lateral flexion (30)

Question 7

Why does the cervical region have the greatest range of motion?

Answer 7

Due to atlas + axis (allow nodding + shaking of head)

Question 8

What limits range of motion in the thoracic region? What limits extension here?

Answer 8

Rib cage

Extension limited by long, inferriorly extending spinous processes

Question 9

What limits rotation in the lumbar region?

Answer 9

Lumbar facets

Question 10

What forms the space in which an epidural injection can be inserted? Where should the injection be inserted?

Answer 10

Pia mater ends at L2 with spinal cord, arachnoid + dura mater extend to S2 = subarachnoid space between L2 + S2

Injection inserted between L3 + L4 or L4 + L5