T-Spine Flashcards
Describe the main parts of a typical thoracic vertebra.
Body
Demi and costal facets for ribs
Pedicles
Lamina
Transverse processes
Spinous process
Superior and inferior articulating facets
The lateral x ray of her thoracic spine indicates a possible pathology at the 7th thoracic vertebra which has resulted in a loss of her overall stature (she has got shorter and lightly more hunched). Name the type of pathology you suspect.
Compression fracture
Describe the radiographic pattern of a vertebral
compression fracture.
Buckled anterior cortex. Loss of height of anterior vertebral body.
The radiographic appearance of the spine indicates uniform radiolucency. Given the women’s age and presenting symptoms you suspect an underlying metabolic condition which may be affecting her skeletal system. Name and define the condition you suspect?
Osteoporosis-A bone disorder in which the rate of bone resorption is greater than the rate of bone formation
Osteoporosis can be grouped into two types depending on age and hormonal status. Name and describe the features of the type you suspect this woman has.
TYPE 1: POST MENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS. Due to oestrogen deficiency. Loss of trabecular bone. 50 - 70 years. Fractures of vertebrae and distal radius
List six modifiable risk factors that may affect osteoporosis.
Sedentary lifestyle. Calcium deficiency (diet). Alcoholism. Caffeine intake. Smoking. Low vitamin D intake.
Describe compression fracture regarding peak bone mass (PBM) of osteoporosis.
Peak bone mass (PBM) is achieved around the age of 30 - 35. PBM is greater in men and people of colour. PBM can be affected by the modifiable risk factors. Bone mass begins to decrease 0.5% per year after this age. Bone mass decrease more rapidly for 3 - 7 years following menopause at 1.0% per year. Eventually enough bone mass is lost to reach a fracture threshold level. The greater the PBM the less likely the bone loss will reach the fracture threshold level.
Differentiate between structural and postural causes of her curve.
Non-structural scoliosis (postural) = Small curve that corrects with bending. Structural scoliosis = Does not correct with bending thus the deformity is fixed.
State six clinical manifestations which might be present in this idiopathic adolescent condition (scoliosis).
Higher shoulder or Projecting scapula (same side) or Prominent hip (opposite side). Uneven shoulders or Uneven iliac crest. Prominent scapula. malalignment of spinous processes. Asymmetry of flanks or thoracic cage. Paraspinal muscle hump when bending forward. Usually a painless condition. Shortness of breath due to thoracic deformity. Could affect cardiopulmonary function or create neurological complications.
Define the term spondylolisthesis
Anterior displacement of the vertebral body in relation to the segment immediately below.
State the radiographic appearance of spondylolisthesis
- Lateral view allows the measure of degree of antero-listhesis 2. Oblique view will indicate the pathology at the pars interarticularis 3. AP view may show L5 body superimposed over the S1 body
A possible structural cause of her curve is congenital in nature and due to failure of the spine to form properly (hemi-vertebra) Name the condition and describe its radiographic features.
- Hemi vertebra. 2. the body of the involved vertebra are a triangular shape 3. the endplates are tapered to a point creating a laterally wedged vertebra 4. Disc spaces above and below the site of involvement are normal but the endplates are slightly deformed. 5. If the anomaly is in isolation there will be an angular scoliosis usually appears with multiple congenital anomalies.
