Thoracic & Lumbar Spinal Mechanics Flashcards
What are the 4 junctions of the body?
Craniocervical, cervicothoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral
What landmarks of the body does the line of gravity pass through?
External auditory canal, head of humerus, L3, anterior third of sacrum and lateral malleolus
Describe the body of thoracic vertebra (T1-12)
Medium sized, heart shaped and costal facets are present
Describe the spinous process of thoracic vertebra
Long and slope posteroinferiorly
Describe the body of lumbar vertebra (L1-5)
Large and kidney shaped
Describe the spinous process of lumbar vertebra
Short and broad
What does the rule of 3’s refer to?
The location of the spinous process in relation to the transverse processes in the thoracic spine
T1-3 spinous process are located at the level of the
Corresponding transverse process (rule of 3’s)
T4-6 spinous processes are located
1/2 a segment below the corresponding transverse processes (rule of 3’s)
T7-9 spinous processes are located at the
Level of the transverse process of the vertebrae one below (rule of 3’s)
Same rule applies for T10
Ex. T7 spinous process is at the level of T8 transverse processes below T7
T11 transverse process follow the same rule as
T4-6
T12 transverse processes follow the same rule as
T1-3
Spinal landmark for the spine of the scapula
T3 spinous and transverse process
Spinal landmark at the inferior angle of the scapula
Spinal process of T7 and transverse process of T8
Spinal landmark at the iliac crest
Level of L4 vertebra
What is the orientation of the superior facets on cervical vertebra?
Backward, upward, medial (BUM)
What is the orientation of the superior facets on thoracic vertebra?
Backward, upward, lateral (BUL)
What is the orientation for the superior facets on lumbar vertebra?
Backward and medial (BM)