Flashcards in Lec 05: Disorders of the Spinal Cord Deck (37)
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1
What is the anatomical extent of the spinal cord?
craniocervical junction (basi-occiput) to nerve roots in the cauda equina
2
What are the two most mobile segments of the spine?
cervical and lumbar
3
Most degenerative spinal diseases are found in which segments of the spine?
cervical and lumbar
4
What are the transitional regions of the spine?
cervicothoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbosacral
5
Which type of vertebra has the smallest vertebral body?
cervical
6
What is the trend in vertebral body size in relation to position?
As we go down, there is increasing size of the bodies because of increasing weight.
7
Which cervical vertebra does not have a body?
C1
8
Which cervical vertebra is the strongest?
C2
9
The odontoid process articulates with?
ring of the atlas (C1)
10
What is the purpose of the transverse atlantal ligament?
connects the dens to the ring of the atlas, preventing transverse displacement of the atlas
11
Which vertebral segment is the least mobile?
thoracic
12
Cervical facets have what angle?
45 degrees
13
Thoracic facets have what angle?
60 degrees
14
Lumbar facets have what angle?
90 degrees
15
What movements are allowed by the lumbar vertebra?
flexion and extension only
16
Which vertebral segment does not have any muscles anteriorly?
thoracic
17
What is the strongest vertebral ligament?
ALL - only ligament that limits extension
18
Which vertebral ligament has pain nerve endings?
PLL
19
The adult spinal cord ends at what level?
L1
20
What are the three levels of the spinal MRI?
cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral
21
What are the characteristics of Central Cord syndrome?
more extensive motor weakness in the UE than in the LE, typically in patients with hyperextension injuries (UE fibers are located more centrally)
22
What are the characteristics of Anterior Cord syndrome?
motor function deficits, loss of detailed sensation
23
What are the characteristics of Posterior Cord syndrome?
position sense deficit
24
What are the characteristics of Brown-Sequard syndrome? (injury to the lateral half of the spinal cord)
motor paralysis and loss of proprioception are greater ipsilaterally, pain and temperature sensory loss are greater contralaterally
25
What are the characteristics of Conus Medullary syndrome?
combined lower and upper motor neuron deficits, flaccid paralysis (LMN), hyperreflexia (UMN)
26
What is spinal shock?
transient loss of all neurologic function below the level of the spinal cord injury
27
What is the difference between spinal shock and complete cord syndrome?
cord syndromes do not manifest until after 72 hours
28
What are possible spine pathology mimickers?
nerve entrapment syndromes, soft tissue injuries
29
What is the difference between vascular and neurogenic claudication?
vascular claudication - immediate relief upon resting (for surgery)
neurogenic claudication - relief in certain positions
30
What is the most common extramedullary tumor?
Schwanomma
31
(T/F) A meningioma commonly presents anteriorly.
T
32
What is the usual location of an ependymoma?
conus medullaris
33
What is a syrinx?
CSF pocket within the spinal cord
34
(T/F) A low-grade astrocytoma is easier to surgically remove than a high-grade astrocytoma.
F
35
When is the posterior approach in surgery used?
lumbar and thoracic tumors
36
What is the difference between a meningocoele and a myelomeningocoele?
meningocoele - csf and meninges in herniation but no neural elements
myelomeningocoele - w/ spine
37
