Thoracic Spine Flashcards
Which are true ribs?
Ribs 1-7
Which are false ribs?
Ribs 8-12
Where do false ribs attach?
costochondral cartilage of the superior rib
-ribs 11 and 12 have no attachment at all
Which ribs are atypical?
1, 10, 11, 12
-they attach to only 1 facet on corresponding vertebral body
2
-attaches to T1 and T2 but is atypical because of attachment to sternum and manubrium
Which ribs are typical?
3-9
-attach to demi facets of corresponding vertebral body
Key exam finding for ankylosing spondylitis?
Limited chest expansion
-measured at the nipple
5cm is normal
2.5cm is pathologic
Preferred imaging for suspected cancer of infection
MRI or bone san due to high sensitivity
Preferred imaging for trauma
X-ray
-especially w/ symptoms of spinal tenderness, neruo signs, or altered consciousness
Not indicated if pt is awake, alert, and none of the above findings
Red flags for cancer
-personal or family history of cancer
-unexplained weight loss
-unrelenting night pain
-history or current smoking
-age >50
Red flags for infection
-fever
-chills
-night sweats
-known recent infection(PNA)
-current IV or drug use
-recent surgery
Red flags for visceral/GI disorders
-bowel/bladder dysfunction
-abdominal pain
-reflux
-excussive use of NSAIDs
-alcohol abuse
Red flags for cardiopulmonary
-chest pain or SOB w/ exertion
-personal or family history of cardiovascular disease
-thoracic or chest wall pain throbbing or pulsatile sensations
Red flags for fracture
-history of osteoporosis or osteoporotic fractures
-history of significant trauma
-prolonged corticosteroid use
Red flags for cord compromise(disease or lesion)
-BUE or BLE paresthesias, weakness, sensory loss
T spine landmarks
T1 found by finding C7(most prominent vertebrae)
T1 below that
T12 found via L4(at level of iliac crest)
-count up
