Thoracic spine assessment

Question 1

each thoracic vertebra is involved in at least six articulations, and as many as thirteen

T or F

Answer 1

true

Question 2

facet joints in thoracic spine lie approximately _________ degrees from the frontal plane

Answer 2

20

Question 3

The joint capsules in thoracic facet joints are more lax than those of the cervical and lumbar regions, which also contributes to more available motion.

T or F

Answer 3

FALSE, more taught, less motion

Question 4

condition where the vertebrae grow unevenly with respect to the sagittal plane; that is, the posterior angle is often greater than the anterior. This uneven growth results in the signature “wedging” shape of the vertebrae, causing kyphosis.

Answer 4

Scheuermann’s disease

Question 5

decreased pelvic inclination (20°) with a thoracolumbar or thoracic kyphosis

Answer 5

round back

Question 6

a localized, sharp, posterior angulation called a gibbus. This kyphotic deformity is usually structural and often results from an anterior wedging of the body of one or two thoracic vertebrae. The wedging may be caused by a fracture, tumor, or bone disease. The pelvic inclination is usually normal (30°).

Answer 6

hump back

Question 7

is decreased pelvic inclination (20°) with a mobile spine. This kyphotic deformity is similar to round back, except that the thoracic spine remains mobile and is able to compensate throughout its length for the altered center of gravity caused by the decreased pelvic inclination. Therefore, although a kyphosis is or should be present, it does not have the appearance of an excessive kyphotic curve.

Answer 7

flat back

Question 8

localized swelling of the costosternal cartilage

Answer 8

tietze syndrome

Question 9

80% of scoliosis cases are….

Answer 9

idopathic

Question 10

Progression of scoliosis is defined as an increase in ______ over 6 months

Answer 10

5 degrees

Question 11

Major curve = Largest Cobb measurement – always _________

Answer 11

structural

Question 12

Examination skill—must assess for _____ of the curve when dealing with patients with scoliosis.

Answer 12

flexibility

Question 13

Vertebrae rotate in the direction of convexity

t or f

Answer 13

True

Question 14

surgery required for scoliosis:
Curves > ___ while still growing
Curves > ___ who are skeletally mature

Answer 14

45 still growing

50 skeletally mature