Vertebral Column Flashcards
What is a Jefferson fracture?
Forced compression of C1 (atlas) can shatter the bony ring
What is an odontoid fracture? When can it occur?
Dens fracture - superiorly projecting peg of bone (the dens) that forms a pivot joint with C1 (Atlas)
rapid flexion-extension of the neck e.g. rapid deceleration in a motor vehicle collision
What is a hangman’s fracture?
Hyperextension and distraction of C2 (axis)
Hanging/traffic accidents
What can get compressed within the foramen transversarium?
Vertebral arteries
What are AF and NP and what do they contain?
Annulus Fibrosus - fibrocartilage
Nucleus Pulposus - GAG and water
What ligaments would be passed through during a lumbar puncture/epidural/spinal anaesthesia?
(Between adjacent spinous processes) Supraspinous Interspinous Ligamentum Flavum (To access Subarachnoid space - contains CSF)
What ligaments support the vertebral column?
Anterior longitudinal lig
Posterior longitudinal lig
Ligamentum flavum
When can lumbar hyperlordosis occur?
During pregnancy - weight
What can cause age-related kyphosis?
Osteoporosis and/or intervertebral disc degeneration
What is spondylolysis? How does it look on an x-ray?
Occurs in regions of articular facets without displacement
On x-ray = scotty dog with collar (causes lower back pain)
What is Spondylolisthesis?
LUMBAR vertebrae body slips/ moves anteriorly
What group of muscles keep the vertebral column upright?
Erector Spinae
Splenius Capitis - keeps head upright
