Thoracic Spine Flashcards
What is Scheuermann’s Disease?
Uneven growth of vertebrae, leading to anterior wedging of three or more consecutive vertebrae by at least 5 degrees
At what age does Scheuermann’s Disease typically present?
Between ages 12 and 17
What are the early symptoms of Scheuermann’s Disease?
Subacute thoracic pain, often exacerbated by physical activity and prolonged standing or sitting
What is the typical presentation of a rib fracture?
Sharp, localized pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or movement
What are the common causes of rib fractures?
Trauma (e.g., motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries), severe coughing.
What is a common complication of untreated rib fractures?
Pneumonia
Fill in the blank: The risk factors for compression fractures include _______ and _______.
[advanced age], [female gender]
What is the typical appearance of a patient with emphysema?
Thin and has a pink complexion
What is the purpose of the pump handle motion during respiration?
To increase the anteroposterior diameter of the thoracic cavity
What condition is characterized by the breastbone protruding outward?
Pectus carinatum (Pigeon Chest)
What age group is most at risk for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)?
Young adults
What is the most common type of scoliosis?
Idiopathic scoliosis
What Cobb angle range indicates mild scoliosis?
10 to 24 degrees
What are the components of the Schroth Method for scoliosis treatment?
Muscular symmetry and alignment
What is the primary goal of physical therapy management for Scheuermann’s Disease?
Prevent progression of the disease
What are the risk factors for developing compression fractures?
Low bone density, advanced age, female gender, prior fracture after age 50
What are the three sections of the thoracic spine?
1) Upper: CT Junction & Upper 3-4 Ribs
2) Middle: Mid scapular to around T8
3) Lower: Thoraco-Lumbar Junction
What is the significance of the rib articulations during respiration?
They allow for expansion and contraction of the thoracic cavity during breathing
True or False: Rib 11 and 12 are considered true ribs.
False
What is the typical treatment strategy for rib fractures in physical therapy?
Encourage mobility, teach splinting, and breathing exercises
Fill in the blank: The thoracic flexion range of motion is _______.
[20-45 degrees]
What are the key symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome?
Radicular type of shoulder/arm pain with diminished radial pulse
What differentiates structural scoliosis from functional scoliosis?
Structural scoliosis involves permanent spinal changes, while functional scoliosis can occur from repetitive movements
What does the term ‘Blue Bloater’ refer to in the context of COPD?
Advanced COPD characterized by a bluish tint to the skin and lips due to low oxygen levels
What are the initial stabilization exercises recommended for scoliosis?
Plank, side plank, and bridging.
What is the primary focus when stabilizing the pelvis/lumbar region in scoliosis treatment?
To stretch out the thoracic curves.
What is the Schroth Method?
A specific scoliosis treatment designed for each patient’s spinal curvature.
What is the first key component of the Schroth Method?
Muscular Symmetry.
What does the Muscular Symmetry component emphasize?
Alignment of the pelvis and elongation stretching of the concave side of the curve.
What is Rotational Angular Breathing (RAB)?
A breathing technique that helps rotate the spine and reshape the rib cage.
How does Rotational Angular Breathing (RAB) benefit scoliosis patients?
It teaches the patient to breathe into the concave side of the body to expand and strengthen.
What is the importance of awareness of posture in scoliosis treatment?
To develop postural awareness and strengthen muscles on the convex side of the curve.
Fill in the blank: The pelvis/lumbar region must be stabilized in order to stretch out the _______.
thoracic curves.
True or False: The Schroth Method is a one-size-fits-all approach to treating scoliosis.
False.
What are the later symptoms of Scheuermann’s Disease?
Visible kyphosis, often rigid and not correctable by posture adjustment; exaggerated kyphotic curvature of the thoracic spine between 45 and 75 degrees
This kyphosis is often noticeable.
How does Scheuermann’s Disease typically present?
Pain with physical activity that creates stress through the thoracic spine; notable kyphosis or ‘hunchback’ appearance
This is particularly observed in the thoracic or thoracolumbar spine.
What treatment options are available for managing symptoms of Scheuermann’s Disease?
Symptom modulation, reduced load, stretching, postural correction, muscle energy techniques, and breathing exercises
These are aimed at managing the painful stage and prevention.
Fill in the blank: Scheuermann’s Disease leads to anterior wedging of _______ or more consecutive vertebrae by at least 5 degrees.
three
Name a medical history factor that increases the risk of compression fractures.
Previous fractures, long-term use of corticosteroids, hyperparathyroidism, chronic renal failure
These conditions can weaken bones and increase fracture susceptibility.
What is a common early symptom of compression fractures?
Sudden onset can occur in the absence of trauma, such as coughing, bending, lifting, or twisting
These activities can lead to fractures even without significant load.
What are chronic symptoms of compression fractures?
Chronic pain and spinal deformity, specifically kyphosis (dowager’s hump)
Kyphosis results from the structural changes in the spine due to fractures.
What characterizes the pain associated with compression fractures?
Sudden onset of fracture pain, worse with movements, less with rest
Pain is often localized and can be aggravated by physical activity.
How is pain assessed in compression fractures?
Pain with palpation or percussion tapping
These methods help determine the location and severity of the fracture pain.
What deformity is caused by compression fractures?
Wedge deformity and reduced mobility
This deformity results from the vertebrae collapsing, affecting posture and movement.
What is the first step in physical therapy management for compression fractures?
Symptom modulation – modalities and relative rest advice
This helps manage acute pain before progressing to more active rehabilitation.
What is important in the later stages of physical therapy for compression fractures?
Strengthening and flexibility exercises, along with advice to stay active
These activities help restore function and prevent further injury.
What happens to the diaphragm during inhalation?
Diaphragm contracts and lowers, ribs expand
What is De Kleyn’s test?
For VBI, patient lies supine with head on edge of table, PT rotates head to one side, take it into extension, hold for 30 seconds. Ask for any DANS
What are the symptoms to Chronic Bronchitis (Blue Bloater)?
chronic, productive cough, cyanosis, mild dyspnea initially, crackles, wheezing, peripheral edema
What are the symptoms to Emphysema (Pink Puffer)
Dyspnea, minimal cough, tachypnea, accessory muscle use, decreased breath sounds
List the 3 steps of the scroth method
- Muscular Symmetry
2.Rotational Angular Breathing - Isometric (develop postural awareness by strengthening the muscles on the convex side of the curve
