T-Spine and Ribs Common Clinical Presentations Flashcards
INTRO
INTRO
List T-Spine Common Clinical Presentations
- Pancoast Tumor
- Referral from cardiovascular & pulmonary systems
- Abdominal Referral
- Fracture
- Scheurmann’s Disease
- Costochondritis
- Disc Disease
- Thoracic Myelopathy
- T4 Syndrome
- Scolisis
- Arthropathy
- Rib Dysfunction
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
What is a Pancoast Tumor?
Tumor at the apex of the lung.
Pancoast Tumor may involve __ and __ structures.
C8 and T1
How does Pancoast Tumor clinically present itself?
May present similar to radicular pain/radiculopathy, thoracic outlet syndrome (especially), peripheral nerve entrapment.
What are the symptoms of a Pancoast Tumor?
- Chronic cough
- Bloody sputum
- Unexplained weight loss
- Malaise
- Dyspnea
How will a Pancoast Tumor present during a physical examination?
- Fever
- Wheezing
VERTEBRAL FRACTURES
VERTEBRAL FRACTURES
There can be ___________ ______ fractures or ________ component fractures or a combination of both.
- vertebral body
- posterior component
What are some other bone abnormalities?
- osteopenia (early), osteoporosis (late)
- other (Paget’s disease, etc.)
Osteoporosis is a loss of BMD (bone mineral density), is it painful?
No, not by itself
The vertebrae is divided into what 3 columns?
- Anterior (anterior 1/2 of body)
- Middle (posterior 1/2 of body)
- Posterior (pedicles and back)
Hx of vertebral fractures is associated with what?
- increased mortality
- predictor for subsequent vertebral fracture (4-5x) and hip fracture (3x)
- several classification systems
What does TLICS Classification stand for?
Thoraco-Lumbar Injury Classification and Severity
What are the 3 components describing the risk/need for surgery when it comes to the TLICS?
- ) Morphology
- ) Integrity of PLC (posterior ligamentous complex)
- ) Neurologic Status
What are the 3 types/categories of morphology?
- Compression
- Translation/Rotation
- Distraction
What are the 4 parts of the PLC (posterior ligamentous complex)?
- Supraspinous ligament
- Interspinous ligament
- Ligamentum flavum
- Z-joint capsules
Describe the scoring system of the TLICS.
- Nonsurgical = <4 points
- Nonsurgical or Surgical = 4 points
- Surgical = >4 points
What are the 2 types of compression fractures?
- Traditional Compression Fractures
- Burst Fractures
Traditional Compression Fractures are ______ injuries affecting the _______ column with the spinal column _______.
- stable
- anterior
- intact
What is a common MOI for Traditional Compression Fractures?
Traumatic axial loading in a flexed position.
- High Energy
- Osteoporotic
Burst Fractures affect the _______ and _______ columns and make up __-__% of all major vertebral body fractures. How many are there per year?
- anterior and middle
- 15-20%
- 1/4 million/year in the U.S.
Where are Burst Fractures most common?
T/L junction
Can Burst Fractures have neural involvement?
Yes, fragments may be found in canal.
What are common MOI for Burst Fractures?
High force axial (and/or flexion load)
- MVC
- Falls from heights
- High speed sport injury
Rotation/Translation Fractures are associated with falls from a height or heavy objects falling on body with bent trunk and involve ______ and ______ forces.
torsion and shear
Rotation/Translation involves __________ displacement of one T/L vertebral body on another.
horizontal
Can dislocations happen with Rotation/Translation Fractures?
Yes, facet joints intact but dislocated
Can Rotation/Translation Fractures cause impingement on the spinal cord?
Yes
Distraction Fractures involve separation in the _________ axis. They can involve both anterior/posterior _________ and ____ structures.
- vertical
- ligament and bony structures
Vertebral Fracture Red Flags:
- Studies show that looking for _________ can be more helpful than finding a single red flag.
- ____ false positive rates when it comes to single red flags.
- List off some red flag examples.
- clusters
- high
- Old age, significant trauma, corticosteroid use, contusion/abrasion
What is the Vertebral Fracture cluster?
- Age >70
- Significant Trauma
- Prolonged corticosteroid use
- Sensory alterations from the trunk down
-What are the parts of Roman’s Cluster for Vertebral Compression Fractures?
- Age >52
- No presence of leg pain
- BMI = 22
- Does not exercise regularly
- Female gender
- <2/5
- 4/5
RIB FRACTURES
RIB FRACTURES
Rib fractures can be _______ or _______ fractures.
trauma or stress
Are rib fractures commonly managed conservatively?
Yes, but it is important to get medically assessed for potential of jagged edges to pierce into tissues.
What are some areas that can be pierced/injured with rib fractures?
- Brachial plexus/vascular structures
- Laceration of pleura, lungs, abdominal organs.
What percentage of upper rib fractures are associated with brachial plexus/vascular structure injuries?
3-15%
Many simple rib fractures become stable after __ weeks.
6 weeks