Vertebral Fracture and Luxation

Question 1

what is the most important prognostic indicator for vertebral fracture and luxation?

Answer 1

presence of nociception

Question 2

what is spinal shock?

Answer 2

immediately after spinal cord injury, there is loss or depression of the reflexes caudal to the lesion

Question 3

what are the three columns of the vertebra?

Answer 3

dorsal
middle
ventral

Question 4

what is a dorsal compartment fracture?

Answer 4

fracture/luxation of the articular facets
hyperextension injury

Question 5

what is the goal of surgical treatment?

Answer 5

realignment and stabilization of the ventral column and decompression of the spinal cord

Question 6

what reflexes does spinal shock mostly impact?

Answer 6

myotatic: flexor and anal

Question 7

what is part of the dorsal column?

Answer 7

laminae
spinous processes
associated ligaments

Question 8

what is part of the middle column?

Answer 8

dorsal longitudinal ligament
dorsal annulus
dorsal cortex of the vertebral bodies

Question 9

what is part of the ventral column?

Answer 9

ventral longitudinal ligament
ventral annulus
ventral cortex of the vertebral bodies

Question 10

what are the three principal contributors to vertebral column stability?

Answer 10

intervertebral disc
vertebral body
articular processes

Question 11

how can you perform direct decompression?

Answer 11

dorsal laminectomy or hemolaminectomy