Spine Pathology

Question 1

Vertebral bone in the spine collapses, causing the spine to shorten and often fall forward

Answer 1

Vertebral compression fracture (VCF)

Question 2

Herniations of the nucleus pulposus into the body of the vertebral immediately inferior or superior to the disc

Answer 2

Schmorl’s nodes

Question 3

Inflammation of the vertebrae; can cause severe pain and eventual bone deformation

Answer 3

Spondylitis

Question 4

Congenital defect in the formation of the oars interarticularis

Answer 4

Spondylolysis

Question 5

Nucleus pulposus can break through a torn or weakened annulus fibrosus, can compress the nerve structures

Answer 5

Nucleus pulposus hernia (NPH)

Question 6

Abnormal excess development of vertebral bone, such as bone spurs or osteophytes, can also lead to stenosis of the spinal canal

Answer 6

Spondylosis

Question 7

General term for inflammation of the joints and includes several different joint diseases

Answer 7

Arthritis

Question 8

Lateral deviation of the spine

Answer 8

Scoliosis

Question 9

Hunchback

Answer 9

Kyphosis

Question 10

Vertebral body and part of the vertebral arch is displaced forward; can cause acute compression of nerve roots

Answer 10

Spondylolisthesis

Question 11

Swayback

Answer 11

Lordosis

Question 12

How does NPH progress?

Answer 12

The IVD pathology usual starts as micro fractures in the anulus fibrosus. This weakened area allows for protrusion of the anulus fibrosus into the spinal canal and/or vertebral foramen

Question 13

What is the natural disease progression for a herniated disc?

Answer 13

• protrusion of anulus fibrosus into the spinal cord
• if pathology persists, hernia of the nucleus pulposus will ensue
• advanced stage: fragment of nucleus pulposus becomes dislodged and can be found as a free fragment within spinal canal

Question 14

How many spinal fractures in the US annually?

Answer 14

700,000 from osteoporosis

*1/3 are clinically diagnosed each year

Question 15

Why is VCF a condition worth treating?

Answer 15

Reduced quality of life and increased mortality risk resulting from their first fracture

Question 16

What is the connection between corticosteroid use and osteoporosis?

Answer 16

Corticosteroid use increases risk for secondary osteoporosis

Question 17

What are the two common cancers that contribute to spinal fractures?

Answer 17

• Bone metastases (starts in one location and migrates to bone)
• multiple myeloma (cancer of plasma cells in bone marrow)

Question 18

Skeletal condition characterized by a reduction in the mass of the bone affected and an increase risk in fractures

Answer 18

Osteoporosis

Question 19

Bone condition in which the concentration of minerals is diminished and total bone mass is reduced

Answer 19

Osteopenia

Question 20

Identifiable osteoporosis causes (4)

Answer 20

• assoc. with an endocrine disease
• secondary to malnutrition or malabsorption
• secondary to paralysis or reduced muscular activity
• related to an inflammatory or auto-immune disease

Question 21

Positive risk factors for osteoporosis (5):

Answer 21

• Ca intake
• exercise
• Fluoride supplement
• moderate alcohol consumption
• obesity

Question 22

Negative risk factors for osteoporosis (6):

Answer 22

• aging
• gonadal hormones
• oophorectomy without HRT
• high protein diet
• vit D deficiency
• smoking