Thoracic Spine Flashcards
How many vertebrae?
How many apophyseal facets?
12 vertebrae with 24 facets
T1 vertebrae has characteristics of what?
the cervical spine in it’s desire to have more rotational capability.
How many facets does the T1 vertebrae have?
One full facet for the head of the 1st rib; and a demifacet for the upper half of 2nd rib
How is the spinous process on the T1?
Long and spinous
What shape are the V. Bodies?
Wedge shaped with higher posterior height
Posterior height greater than anterior height leads to what?
Kyphotic structure of the spine 40-45%
Width of the vertebrae increases _______?
Caudally
Spinous processes angle _______?
Inferiorly
Transverse process angle _________?
Posteriolaterally
What kind of joins is a facet joint?
Synovial plane joint
What is the angulation of the facet joints?
20 degrees off frontal and 60 degrees off horizontal.
What way do the angles of the superior facets face?
Superior facets face posteriorly and slightly superolaterally.
What way do the angles of the inferior facets face?
Face anteriorly, slightly inferiormedially
When does the orientation of the thoracic spine change?
T10-T11 from frontal to sagittal alignment.
Kinematics for flexion
Inferior facets of the superior vertebrae are going to slide anterior and superiorly on the inferior vertebrae’s superior facets.
Kinematics for extension
Inferior facets of the superior vertebrae are going to slide inferior and posterior upon the inferior vertebrae’s superior facets.
Kinematics for frontal plane rotation?
Inferior facet of the superior vertebrae slides against superior facet of the inferior vertebrae in a contralateral direction. EX: if I rotate to the right, the facets will move to the left.
Kinematics for lateral flexion?
Frontal plane orientation;
Inferior facet on the ipsilateral side of the superior vertebrae slide inferiorly upon the inferior vertebrae’s superior facet
Inferior facet on the contralateral side of the superior vertebrae slide superiorly upon the inferior vertebrae’s superior facet.
What planes can scoliosis be found in?
All 3 . Frontal, horizontal and sagittal planes.
Where is it most often found?
Thoracic spine
2 type of scoliosis?
Structural and non-structural
What is structural scoliosis?
Fixed deformity where 80% cases appear without known causes. There is a lateral curvature and vertebral rotation is involved.
What is non-structural scoliosis?
Normal spine with a lateral curvature. There is no spinal rotation.
Due to postural, leg length discrepancy, and pain causes.
What is a c-curve?
Single lateral curve in thoracic spine.
EX: Right thoracic curve. (BASED ON THE DIRECTION OF CONVEXITY)
What is a s-curve?
One primary curve with a second compensatory curve.
2nd curve usually in thoracolumbar or lumbar region of spine.
EX: named in direction of curvature.
Right thoracic left lumbar curvature
What are some signs of scoliosis?
Uneven shoulders, curve in spine, uneven hips.
How is scoliosis tested for?
Forward bend test, to see a retrusion of the thoracic spine.
In a postural assessment what is looked for in scoliosis?
Spinous processes rotated towards side of concavity.
The ribs will hump on the convex side (frontal plane)
Both involved contralateral coupling pattern.
Other issues related to scoliosis?
Breathing impairment, back pain, muscle imbalances
Is the thoracic spine the most rigid area in the spine?
Yes because of organs and ribs. Protection instead of mobility.
How much kyphosis does the thoracic spine usually have?
40%
Which direction are the facet joints in?
Frontal plane generally until T10-T11 change to sagittal
3 areas of thoracic spine; which movements do they favor?
Upper thoracic?
Mid thoracic?Lumbar thoracic?
Upper–> combination of axial rotation and lateral flexion
Mid –> lateral flexion
Lower –> flexion and extension. (limits axial rotation)
what are the 3 components of the sternum?
Manubrium
Body
Xiphoid Process
Manubriosternal joint? What is it?
Junction between manubrium and body of sternum
Which ribs are true ribs and why?
1-7 are true ribs. articulate directly with sternum.
Which ribs are false ribs and why?
8-10 they have indirect contact with sternum
What are floating ribs?
11,12 are floating ribs, they have no anterior attachement
What is a typical rib?
2-9. attaches to the v body @ costovertebral joint with 2 demifacets.
What articulates with the transverse process?
Tubercle of the rib @ costotransverse joint for the costal facet.
Costovertebral joints include what?
Superior and inferior facet of rib (demifacets)
Which motion do the upper ribs 1-6 have?
Sagittal plane motion, pump handle motion.
Upper ribs and sternum increase the anteroposterior diameter of the thorax.
Kinematics of the lower ribs?
Motion occurs in the frontal plane.
Inspiration in lower ribs increase transverse diameter in a bucket handle motion
Action of the diaphragm?
Descends central tendon inferiorly as it contracts. lowers 6 ribs will elevate and rotate posteriorly during inspiration as intrathoracic volume increases!
Forced expiration involves what?
abdominals and intercostals
Inspiration involves what 3 muscles?
Diaphragm, intercostals and scalenes
