Lumbar Spine

Question 1

ROM and muscles causing movement

Answer 1

Flexion- 40-60 (rectus abdominal, gravity, psoas minor, gravity)
Extension- 20-35 (QL, D and S Erector Spinae)
Sidebending- 15-20 (Psoas Major, QL, S Erector Spinae, Obliques)
Rotation- 3-18, minimal due to the shape of the facet. Accomplished only by a shearing force (levator costorum, deep ES, obliques)

Question 2

Ligaments

Answer 2

Same as CSP and TSP

Iliolumbar-
– connects to TP of L5 with the ilium
– Helps to prevent anterior displacement of L5 (spondylolisthesis of L5)

Question 3

Intervertebral discs

Answer 3

20-25% of height in spine

Function:
– shock absorber
– hold vertebrae together
– to sepere the vertebra as part of a functional segmental unit (by separating the vertebra, it allows the free passage of the nerve roots out from the spinal cord through the intervertebral foramina)

Water capacity:
85-90% water, down to 65% as you get older and spondylitis changes start to occur

Disc also contains a high proportion of mucopolysaccharides, which cause the disc to act as an incompressible fluid. These mucopolysaccharides decrease with age and are replaced with collagen.

Question 4

Annulus fibrosus

Answer 4

Made up of 3 sections:
– outer zone
– intermediate zone
– inner zone

Contains 20 concentruc, collar-like rings of collagenous fibres that crisscross each other to increase their strength and accommodate torsion movements

Question 5

Disc injury

Answer 5

4 types
- protrusion
- prolapse
- extrusion
- sequestration

Press on spinal cord:
– myelopathy
– pressure on cauda equina, pressure on nerve roots (most common)

Schmorl nodules can occur

Question 6

L5-S1

Answer 6

Most common site of problem in the vertebral column because this is more weight bearing than any other segment within the spine.

The centre of gravity passes right through this vertebra