Week 3 - Osteology of the C Spine Flashcards
Describe the curvature of the C spine
Primary
State the 3 key features of cervical vertebrae
- Triangular vertebral foraminifera
- Bifid spinous process
- Transverse foramina
What structures run through the transverse foramina?
Vertebral Artery
Vertebral vein
Sympathetic nerves
Which cervical vertebra is known as the atlas?
C1
State the 4 key features of the atlas
- No vertebral body
- No spinous process
- Anterior articular facet for dens
- Vertebral artery runs in groove, not foramen
What is the name given to C2?
The axis
What is the dens?
What does it allow?
Process rising superiorly from the anterior portion of the axis. Forms the body of the atlas.
Allows shaking of the head –> pivot joint
State the 2 features of the C7 which set it apart from C3 - C6
- Non-Bifid spinous process
- Large transverse processes
Which radiograph view is most useful to look at the C spine?
Lateral
What is a Jefferson fracture?
How may it occur?
What is its other name?
- Atlas breaks like polo mint
- Falling head first or onto feet
- Burst fracture
Is spinal cord damage likely in a Jefferson fracture?
Why?
No
Vertebral foramen large
What is a Hangman’s fracture?
Fracture of the pars interarticularis, between the superior and inferior articular facets of the axis
Why do dens fractures take a long time to heal?
Week blood flow to distal segment
What injuries may occur in whiplash?
- Ligament damage
- Fracture
- Dislocation of the vertebrae (esp. C2/3 and C6/7)
How many cervical vertebrae?
7
