Herniated Discs Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the purpose of a normal Disc between bones
cushioning between bones and allows for full mobility
What are 5 examples of Disc problems
Degenerated Disc
bulging disc
herniated disc
thinning disc
disc degeneration with osteophyte formation
What is a degenerated disc
When the fibrocartilage between vertebrae begin to breakdown creating a bone on bone contact.
What is a bulging disc
when the fibrocartilage of vertebrae create a buldge protruding out of the disc
What is a herniated disc
when the inner portion of the disc pushes through the outer fibrocartilage creating a hernia
what is thinning disc
where the fibrocartilage becomes thin between vertebrae
what is disc degeneration with osetophyte formation
Where the disc degenerates & then osteophytes or bony spurs form creating bone on bone contact
What is the name of the process located at Cervical 7
Spinous process
What 3 studies do we use to diagnose herniated disks
MRI
CT Scan
Myelogram
What is a consequence of herniation
Nerve root compression which causes the source of the pain
What care can be performed in a patient with suspected disk herniation (7)
Brace, corset, belt
Local heat/ ice
Massage
Traction
TENS
NSAIDs, Short Term narcotics, muscle relaxants
Back strengthening exercises
What is a TENS unit
Trans-electrical nerve stimulator
electrodes placed on site of pain and stimulation provides relief.
What is a laminectomy
excision of lamina (posterior arch of vertebra) to gain access to protruding disk to remove it
diskectomy: Micro-surgical diskectomy
decompresses the nerve root
spinal fusion
add bone graft/synthetic product for stabilization. Keeps bone off bone
What is the Post-OP management of spinal surgery
Lie flat
log roll patient
Pain Management
Risk for CSF leak
peripheral neurovascular checks
avoid sitting/standing for long periods
avoid twisting
What do we look for in a CSF leak
c/o H/A
Clear/light yellow drainage
T/F Spinal fusion may have a longer recovery
true
what else do we need to monitor in a spinal fusion recovery
donor site
Teaching post op spinal surgery
think through body movements (ex. getting in and out of car)
