Cervical Spine Flashcards

1
Q

What is considered upper cervical region and lower cervical region?

A

Upper = occiput, atlas (C1), axis (C2)

Lower = C3-C7

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2
Q

What are your atypical cervical vertebrae?

A

Atlas, axis, and C7

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3
Q

What are the defining functions and features of the atlas?

A

Function = cradle occiput and transmit forces from occiput to lower C-spine.

  • Has no vertebral body or spinous process!
  • Shaped like a ring with 2 lateral masses separated by anterior and posterior arch.
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4
Q

What are the defining functions and features of the axis?

A

Function = transmit combined load of the head/atlas to c-spine and provide axial rotation of the head/atlas.

  • Anterior portion of the body extends inferiorly.
  • Has vertical projection called the Dens
  • Has a large, elongated, bifid spinous process.
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5
Q

What are the defining features of C7?

A
  • It is the largest of the cervical vertebrae
  • Has many characteristic of a thoracic vertebrae
  • Has a large spinous process
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6
Q

What are the features of a typical cervical vertebrae (C3-C6)?

A
  • small body
  • uncinate processes on posterolateral margins
  • Transverse foramen on the transverse process
  • Bifid spinous process
  • Intervertebral disc is crescent shape
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7
Q

What is the articulation of the atlanto-occipital (AO) joints?

A

Convex occipital condyle articulating with concave superior facet of atlas.

“yes” joint

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8
Q

What is the articulation of the atlanto-axial (AA) joint?

A

Median AA joint = dens and anterior arch of atlas/transverse ligament

Lateral AA joints = inferior facets of the atlas with superior facets of the axis.
Biconvex with meniscoids

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9
Q

What is the primary role of the transverse ligament?

A

Prevent anterior displacement of C1 on C2.

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10
Q

What is the function of the alar ligament?

A

Becomes taut in neck flexion and with axial rotation.

Limit lateral flexion and prevent distraction of C1 on C2.

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11
Q

What conditions can compromise the integrity of the transverse ligament leading to instability?

A

RA and down syndrome

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12
Q

What plane do cervical facet joints lie off of?

A

45 degrees off the frontal and transverse plane.

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13
Q

What are the osteokinematics of the cervical spine?

A

Flexion
Extension
Lateral flexion
Rotation

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14
Q

What does each cervical level perform during protraction?

A

Upper cervical extension and lower cervical flexion

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15
Q

What does each cervical level perform during retraction?

A

Upper cervical flexion and lower cervical extension.

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16
Q

What is the primary motion that occurs at the AO joint?

A

Flexion and extension

17
Q

The AO joint moves in both the sagittal and frontal planes. What are the arthrokinematics for each plane?

A

Sagittal and Frontal plane = convex occipital condyles on concave superior articular facet of atlas.
*OPPOSITE roll and glide.

18
Q

What is the primary motion of the AA joint?

A

Rotation

19
Q

What are the arthrokinematics of the AA joint in the transverse plane?

A
  1. Anterior arch and transverse ligament/dens
  2. Inferior facet of the atlas/superior facet of the axis.
  • Ipsilateral posterior glide
  • Contralateral anterior glide
20
Q

What are the arthrokinematics of the AA joint in the sagittal plane?

A
  1. Anterior arch and transverse ligament/dens
  2. Inferior facet of the atlas/superior facet of the axis

*tilt of atlas on axis

21
Q

What ligament limits rotation at the AA joint?

A

Alar ligament

22
Q

What ligament limits tilting of axis at the AA joint with flexion?

A

Transverse ligament

23
Q

What motions are coupled in the lower cervical spine?

A

Lateral flexion and rotation are coupled in the SAME direction.

24
Q

What are the arthrokinematics of C3-C7 in the sagittal plane?

A

Flexion = inferior facet glides anterior and superior

Extension = inferior facet glides posterior and inferior

25
Q

What are the arthrokinematics of C3-C7 in the transverse plane?

A

Same side as rotation = inferior facet glides posterior and slightly inferior

Opposite side as rotation = inferior facet glides anterior and slightly superior

26
Q

What are the arthrokinematics of C3-C7 in the frontal plane?

A

Same side as lateral flexion = inferior facet glides inferior and slightly posterior

Opposite side of lateral flexion = inferior facet glides superior and slightly anterior

27
Q

What are the functions of the cervical spine?

A
  1. Stability and protection
    - stability is important at AO and AA joints
  2. Has most flexibility
  3. Designed to allow for more free space to prevent impingement
  4. Mobility