Thoracic Spine & Ribs - working Flashcards
Describe a pancoast tumor.
Tumor at apex of lung.
A pancost tumor may involve what neurological structures?
C8-T1
Pancoast tumors present similar to
MSK origin, especially TOS
Symptoms of a pancoast tumor include
- Chronic cough + blood sputum (red flag)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Malaise
- Dyspnea
Pancoast tumor physical exam findings
- Fever
- Wheezing
What non-MSK diagnoses should be included for the thoracic spine?
(Visceral Pain Patterns)
- MI
- Pericarditis
- Pneumothorax
- Abdominal Organs
- Pleuropulmonary disorders
Vertebral body fractures can be divided based on what portion of the vetebrae they involve. What are those parts?
- Anterior column
- Middle column
Posterior component vertebral fractures involved what anatomic structures?
Posterior column
Transverse processes, spinous processes, etc.
Why are vertebral fractures dangerous?
- Increase mortality
- Predictor for subsequent vertebral fractrue (4-5x) and hip fracture (3x)
The three classification elements fo the TLICS include:
- Morphology
- Integrity of Posterior Ligamentous Complex (PLC)
- Neurologic status
The posterior ligamentous complex includes
- Supraspinous ligament
- Intraspinous ligament
- Ligamentum flavum
- Z-joint capsule
3 Morphologies of Vertebral Fractures
- Compression
- Rotation/Translation
- Distraction
Compression vertebral fractrure types
- traditional compression
- Burst
Traditional Compression Fractures
- Stable v unstable?
- What portion of vertebrae involved?
Stable, anterior column
A common mechanism resulting in traditional compression fractures includes:
Axial loading in a flexed position (trauma: high energy v osteoporotic)
Burst Fractures
- What portion of vertebrae is involved?
- Most common region of spine involved?
- Anterior/Middle columns
- T/L junctions (T12/L1)
Common MOI for burst fractures?
high force axial load (+/- flexion)
MVC, Fall from height, high-sport injury
Rotation/Translation vertebral fractures are associated with what MOI?
- Fall from a height
- Heavy object falling on body with bent trunk
What force is involved in a rotation/translation vertebral fracture?
shear + torsion
Which fracture type can result in dislocation of the facet joints?
Rotation/Translation
Distraction Vertebral fractures occur due to
a tensile load
What segments of the spinal column are invovled in distraction vertebral fractures?
Anterior and posterior column.
RED FLAGS associated with vertebral fractures
- Bruising/Abrasions (trauma)
- Older Age
- Significant trauma
- Corticosteroid use
Henschke recommends clustered findings to identify vertebral fractures. They include:
- Age >70 Y
- Significant trauma
- Prolonged corticosteroid use
- Sensory alterations from trunk down
Think trauma!!
Roman proposed clusters of findings that suggest a vertebral compression fracture in the osteoporotic individual, including:
- Age >52 Y
- No presence of leg pain
- BMI </= 22
- Does not exercise regularly
- Female gender