Week 4 Flashcards
Describe facet joints in the vertebral coloumn and how they can cause issues.
Facet joints are synovial joints that can cause rotation in the spine. Can swell and change the alignment causing pain to the spinal root.
What are the role of anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments and which one is stronger.
Reinforce the spinal column and limit extension of the spine. Anterior longitudinal ligaments are stronger.
What is the purpose of the ligamentum flavum?
Connect lamina of one vertebra to lamina of another.
What roots do the brachial plexus cover? What are the branches?
C5 to T1.
5 branches:
1) Musculocutaneous Nerve- biceps area.
2) Axillary Nerve- deltoid nerve.
3) Radial Nerve- triceps, and forearm extensor mass
4) Median Nerve- palm thumb area and 2nd and 3rd fingers.
5) Ulnar Nerve - pinky and half of ring finger areas.
What determines the size of the intevertebral discs? Describe and label the inner and outer parts.
The amount of load teh area supports. The outer ring is tough and dense and called the annulus fibrosus- its thicker anteriorly. The inner part is soft and jelly with a lot of water content- its called the nucleus pulposus.
What is the difference between a prolapse and extrusion disc?
Prolapse- NP protudes through the AF- while in the extrusion the NP actually leaks out of the AF.
Why do disc lesions occur more posteriorly? Where are they most common?
There is less support posteriorly- AF is less thick- therefore its more susceptible to injury. Most common at C5-C6 and C6-C7.
What are some of the mechanisms of nerve root impingement?
Disc pathology, facet joint pathology, transient cervical compression, osteophyte formation.
What is vertebral artery occlusion? What are the signs and symptoms to look out for?
There is pressure on the artery and decreased blood flow to the brain. S/S- dizziness, confusion, nystagmus (shaking eyes), unilateral pupil changes, nausea. Make sure you keep eyes open.
What is the Erb’s point? When do you return to play?
The most superficial part of the brachial plexus. Return to play: no numbness, tingliness, no decreased strength.
What movement will make the facet joint is sprained?
When testing an anterior glide.
What are signs and symptoms of sprains and strains.
muscle spasm, decrease ROM, pain and reduced motion.
What is the mechanism Cervical Contusion and what is the management?
A blow to the throat area where there is a potential for injury to the carotid artery, fracture of larynx or tracheal cartilage.
Activate EAP, apply ice to decrease swelling.
Where there is not a suspicion of c-spine injury?
If the individual can actively rotate their neck 45 degrees L ands R.
What is an concussion?
Impairment of brain function caused by impact or rotational force.
