Week 16 - Applied Anatomy Of The Back Flashcards
What are the key functions of the vertebral column?
- Movement
- Posture and movement
- Support
- Carries weight above pelvis
- Protection of spinal cord and nerves
Which spinal nerves correspond to the elbow flexors?
C5
Which spinal nerves correspond to wrist extensors?
C6
Fill in the blank: The MRC power grading for normal muscle power is Grade ____.
5
What are the three spinal cord tracts that need to be known in clinical spine practice?
- Lateral corticospinal - Motor
- Spinothalamic - Sensory
- Dorsal columns - Sensory
What characterizes Central Cord Syndrome?
Motor function lost bilaterally; pain and temperature lost bilaterally; dorsal columns preserved
What occurs during spinal shock?
No sensory/motor/reflexes; resolves days to weeks; primary concern is respiratory failure
True or False: Neurogenic shock results in decreased heart rate and warm extremities.
True
What is the primary blood supply to the vertebrae?
- Vertebral arteries
- Segmental arteries
What are common problems associated with the spine?
- Nerve impingement
- Cord compression
- Deformity
- Trauma
What are common spinal procedures?
- Discectomy or Decompression
- Stabilization/Fusion
- Deformity Correction
Fill in the blank: Degeneration in the spine can cause _______ and nerve impingement.
Mechanical back pain
What is the main surgical procedure for anterior cervical discectomy?
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
What is Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?
Pars defect; can be congenital or acquired; can present with back pain and leg pain
What characterizes a ‘Chance’ or ‘Seat belt fracture’?
Classically flexion distraction; 50-90% visceral injury
What distinguishes metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) from a fracture?
Fracture involves normal bone with abnormal force; MSCC involves abnormal bone from pathology
What is the role of spinal embolisation?
Reduces intraoperative blood loss by 50%
What signs indicate Cauda Equina Syndrome?
- Bilateral sciatica
- Absent ankle reflexes
- Urinary incontinence
What are the surgical complications associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis?
- Infection
- Spinal rod breakage
Fill in the blank: The treatment for lumbar spine fusion includes _______ and rods.
Pedicle screws
What does the term ‘spondylodiscitis’ refer to?
Infection of the spine, often seen in TB spine
What is the typical presentation of a lumbar fracture?
History of trauma; normal neurology; requires surgical fixation
