Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Imaging II > Lumbar > Flashcards

Lumbar Flashcards

(70 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What are the goals for a radiographic examination of the lumbar spine?

A

To identify or exclude anatomic abnormalities or disease processes of spine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the routine projections for the lumbar spine?

A

AP and lateral

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the additional views that can be used to view the lumbar spine?

A

R/L Oblique

Coned lateral view of lumbosacral articulation (L5-S1)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Which direction do posterior and anterior oblique views view facet joints?

A 
Posterior = downside
Anterior = upside
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What notable feature is evident in the oblique view?

A

Scottie Dog

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Which image is best used to evaluate trauma?

A

CT, Radiographs may be used to help localize images. MRI not indicated if CT exam normal, ligamentous strains are rare in lumbar spine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

When is an MRI indicated for a trauma injury?

A

If there is neural compromise, used to evaluate cord edema, contusion, epidural hematoma, ligamentous disruption, or nerve root invovlement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the most predominant site for vertebral fractures?

A

T11-T12 because they are transitional vertebrae

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What does spondylolysis defect?

A

pars intetarticularis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the causes for spondylolysis?

A

Congential (rare)
Traumatic
Stress fracture caused by chronic strain (most common)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What type of displacement does spondylolisthesis cause?

A

Forward displacement of one vertebrae upon stationary vertebra beneath it

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What percent, and what age group is often affected by spondylolisthesis?

A

5-10%, children and adolescents (especially those involved in athletic activities)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Where does spondylolisthesis usually manifest in the spine?

A

Lower lumbar levels (L4-L5 and L5-S1)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What can cause spondylolisthesis?

A

Spondylolysis
Congenital or developmental aberrations
Pathological processes
Degenerative changes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How does spondylolisthesis present?

A

Pain after athletic activities or physical labor
Decreased pain with lumbar flexion (which reduces displacement)
Palpable step-off SP, rotation SP

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Where is the SP step-off in degenerative spondylolisthesis? Fracture?

A 
Degenerative = below level of slip
Fracture = above level of slip
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the treatment for spondylolisthesis?

A

Conservative = PT, restriction of activities that load spine in extension
Analgesics, bracing
Surgical fusion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

DDD Characteristics

A

Dehydration of the disk
Nuclear herniation
Annular protrusion
Fibrous replacement of annulus
Intraverterbral herniation of nuclear material
Accumulation of nitrogen gas in fissures of disk

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

DDD Radiologic Findings

A

Decreased disk space height
Osteophytes at vertebral endplates
Schmori’s nodes
Vacuum phenomenon

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

DJD Characteristics

A 
Affects facet joints
Articular cartilage thinning
Subchondral bone sclerosis
Eburnation
Osteophytosis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

DJD Radiologic Findings

A

Decreased facet joint space
Scelorsis
Osetophytosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Spondylosis Characteristics

A

Formation of osteophytes at the vertebral endplates in response to DDD

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Spondylosis Radiologic Findings

A

Osteophytes visible

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Spondylosis Deformans Characteristics

A

A or AL disk herniation resulting in A or AL vertebral endplate osteophytosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Spondylosis Deformans Radiologic Findings
Claw like spurs cupping toward IVD
26
DISH Characteristics
Rheumatological abnormality | Characterized by proliferation of bone at osseous sites of ligamentous and tendinous attachments, notably at the ALL
27
DISH Radiologic Findings
Flowing ossification of at least 4 vertebrae Preservation of disk height and absence of DDD findings Absence of sacroilitis or facet joint DJD
28
What is lumbar stenosis?
Narrowing or constriction of spinal canal secondary to adjacent soft tissue or bony enlargement
29
What structures can be affected by spinal stenosis?
spinal cord, thecal sac and dural membranes
30
How is lumbar stenosis classified?
``` By etiology (congenital or acquired) By anatomic region involved (central spinal canal, IVF, lateral recesses) ```
31
What is the incidence for spinal stenosis?
1/4 of asymptomatic adults under age 40
32
What spinal region is spinal stenosis most prevalent?
L4
33
What are some of the acquired mechanisms for spinal stenosis?
``` Osteophytes Hypertrophy of pedicles, lamniae, facet joints IVD bulging Spondylolisthesis Thickening of ligamentum flavum ```
34
What is the normal AP diameters of the spinal canal in the spine?
C3-C5 = 17-18 mm C5-C7 = 12-14 mm T spine = 12-14 mm L spine = 15-27 mm
35
What is a major complication for cervical spinal stenosis?
Central cord syndrome (loss of motor function of UE, variable sensory sparing)
36
What is cervical spine stenosis associated with?
Long tract and radicular signs Headaches Pain Radiating electric-shock sensations elicited with c spine flexion
37
What are the presentations for concurrent cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis?
Gait disturbance Myelopathy Radiculopathy
38
What is the clinical presentation for lumbar spinal stenosis?
Unilateral or bilateral LBP and or LE pain Numbness Weakness Symptoms aggravated with standing walking, relieved with sitting Symptoms aggravated with lumbar extension, relieved with flexion
39
What is neurogenic claudication?
Congestion of blood vessels at stenotic level. It inhibits nerve conduction and results in leg pain, numbness and weakness
40
What is the difference between neurogenic and vascular claudication?
``` Neurogenic = exacerbated by standing and spinal extension Vascular = exacerbated by exercise and improved with standing ```
41
How is spinal stenosis differentiated from disk herniations?
Pain from herniations are aggravated by sitting, flexion, lifting and valsalva maneuvers, relieved by walking. Pain from stenosis not affected by above and aggravated with walking
42
What are the radiologic findings for spinal stenosis?
Severe degenerative changes at a spinal segment. Radiographs lack specificity
43
What advanced imaging can be used to view spinal stenosis?
CT Myelography shows constriction of thecal sac MRI views thecal sac and contents SPECT discriminates between stenosis and medical disease, infection and tumors
44
What is the treatment for spinal stenosis?
Analgesics NSAIDs Epidural steroid injections PT
45
What are intervertebral disk herniations?
extension of NP through AF and beyond adjacent vertebral margins
46
What is the indicidence of IVDHs?
25-45 year olds men > women smokers, obese, vehicular vibration
47
Where are IVDHs most common?
90% occur at L4-L5
48
What causes IVDH?
``` Degenerative changes in vertebral joints that impose excessive axial, shear or rotational forces which contribute to degeneration of AF Acute trauma (compression fracture or endplate fracture) ```
49
How is IVDH presented?
LBP and referred or radicular pain Usually exacerbated with active flexion, prolonged sitting, valsalva Loss of muscle strength, decreased DTR and parestheia Cauda equina syndrome can develop
50
Why are imaging studies unnecessary in first 4-6 weeks following onset of IVDH symptoms?
20-35% asymptomatic adults have them Most improve significantly with conservative treatment in 4-6 weeks May reveal preexisting abnormalities that will confuse situation
51
When is imaging indicated for IVDH?
when conservative treatment fails or those exhibiting cauda equina syndrome
52
Prognosis for IVDH
Good with conservative management (PT, analgesics, short-term bedrest, restricted activities) Some require surgery
53
What are the radiographic hallmarks of DJD at SIJ?
decreased joint space subchondral sclerosis osteophyte formation at joint margins (in advanced cases joint space may not be well visualized because osteophytes bridge joint space)
54
Which portion of the joint space represents the synovial portion of the joint?
Lower halves, upper are syndesmotic
55
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
chronic, progressive inflammatory arthritis characterized by joint sclerosis and ligamentous ossification
56
How is ankylosing spondylitis manifested?
first in stiffness of SIJs, later extends to lumbar and thoracic spines
57
Who is affected by ankylosing spondylitis?
men 7x more likely | onset in 20s
58
What are the radiologic findings of ankylosing spondylitis?
Abnormal narrowing of upper half of SIJs (eventual joint fusion) Squaring off of anterior borders of vertebral bodies Syndesmophytes form bridging vertebral bodies (bamboo spine)
59
What radiologic findings distinguish degenerative and fracture spondylolisthesis?
spinous process sign
60
What occurs in degenerative spondylolisthesis?
Entire vertebra slips forward as a unit | Step-off is below level of slip
61
What occurs in fracture spondylolisthesis?
Bilateral spondylosis results in forward slip of vertebral body, pedicles and superior articular processes. Inferior articular processes, laminae and spinal process remain in normal position. Step-off is above level of slip
62
Nose
transverse process
63
Eye
pedicle
64
Ear
superior articular process
65
Neck
Pars interacularis
66
Foreleg
Inferior articular process
67
Body
Lamina and spinous process
68
Tail
Superior articular process of opposite side
69
Hind leg
inferior articular process of opposite side
70
What are the grades for spondylolisthesis?
``` 1 = 25% 2 = 50% 3 = 75% 4 = 100% 5 = completely fallen off ```

Imaging II (9 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions