Lumbar Spine Flashcards
(37 cards)
What are some functions of the Lumbar spine?
- Supports the upper body
- Transmits force (weight) of the upper body to pelvis and lower limbs
- Protects spinal cord
What is the:
- Resting position of the lumbar spine
- Closed packed position of the lumbar spine
- Capsular pattern of the Lumbar spine
- Midway between flexion and extension
- Full Extension
- Side flexion and rotation is equally limited, extension
How many pairs of facet joints (apophyseal or zygoapophyseal joints) are in the lumbar spine?
5 pairs of joints; 10 facets in total
The facets carry _______% of the load
20%
Most of the vertebral load goes through the large body
The __________________ processes are typically at the same level as the spinous process
Transverse
What is the function of the facet joints in the lumbar spine?
It orientates the direction that the spine can move.
Rotation is limited and the facets control flexion, extension, and side bend (lateral flexion)
In the lumbar spine, the facet joint orientation gradually changes from the __________ plane to the __________ plane
Sagittal plane (flexion/extension)
Frontal plane (lateral flexion)
*The frontal plane orientation provides restriction from anterior shear
The superior articulating process faces __________ and __________.
Medially
Posteriorly
The inferior articulating process faces __________ and __________.
Laterally
Anteriorly
What are the 6 main ligaments of the lumbar spine?
- Anterior Longitudinal Ligament
- Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
- Ligamentum Flavum
- Supraspinous ligaments
- Interspinous ligaments
- Intertransverse ligaments
Which ligament helps to stabilize the L5 with the ilium to prevent anterior displacement of the L5?
Iliolumbar ligament
What are some functions of the intervertebral discs?
Acts as a shock absorber
Distributes load applied to the spine
Allows movement between the vertebra
Functional Segment Unit (view picture)
What is the Annulus Fibrosis?
The cartilaginous outer rim of the disc
What are two components of the Annulus Fibrosis?
Fibrocartilage-
Encases Nucleus Pulposus in center
Circular distribution in many rows
Sharpey’s fibers in the outer ring-
Attaches to the vertebral bodies (bony components)
What does the Nucleus Pulposus consist of?
Hydrophilic mucous tissue
It’s water-binding capacity decreases with age (starting at 20yrs old). The vertical space decreases and so does the extensibility & ability to shock absorb
What is the function of the Endplate?
Allows fluid to move between disc and vertebral body.
*Overnight, this fluid hydrates the disc and it becomes larger and more replenished in the morning.
What causes Schmorl’s nodules?
Vertical pressure that causes Nucleus Pulposus herniation into the vertebral body, causing defects in the cartilaginous end plate.
Does “jumping” or “lifting wrong” have a greater load on the lumbar disc?
Lifting Wrong
What passes through the Intervertebral Foramina?
Nerve Roots
Where does the L4 nerve root exit?
L4 exits between the L4 and L5.
*The nerve root is named for the vertebra above
Which part of the spine is the most common site for problems? Why?
L5-S1
It bears more weight than other vertebral levels and has a greater angle than others
Lumbar Flexion Biomechanics:
1. Inferior articulated process moves __________/__________.
2. __________ tilt and glide of the vertebral body.
- Anterior/Superior
- Superior
Lumbar Extension Biomechanics
1. Inferior articulate process moves __________/__________.
2. __________ tilt and glide of the vertebral body.
- Posterior/Inferior
- Inferior
