Spine

Question 1

Rads for spine

Answer 1

Good for spinal column
Problems: complex anatomy = superimposition of structures, improper positioning, and underestimation of extent or presence of pathology

Question 2

How to position the patient properly for spinal rads

Answer 2

Sedation and anesthesia
Helps promote motion artifact, relaxes contracted muscles and anatomy of the vertebral column is complex

Question 3

What rad views are good for the spine?

Answer 3

Lateral and VD views
Collimation of the x ray beam
If subluxations take lateral first

Question 4

Vertebral alignment

Answer 4

Spinal curvature
Subluxation/ luxation
Fracture

Question 5

Spinal Curvature

Answer 5

Lordosis: Ventral devation
Kyphosis: Dorsal deviation
Scoliosis: Lateral deviation

Question 6

Atlantoaxial subluxation (aa luxation or aa instability)

Answer 6

Dorsal displacement of axis with respect to atlas (SC compression)

Question 7

Congenital atlantoaxial subluxation

Answer 7

Aplastic/ hypoplastic dens
Malformation in ligaments that support aa joint
Toy/small breeds

Question 8

Acquired aa subluxation

Answer 8

Any breed
Fracture of the dens or rupture of the aa ligmanents

Question 9

Rad views of aa luxation

Answer 9

Later and VD (minimum)
Lateral oblique (dens viewed without suprimporsed wings of atlas)
Flexed lateral (use extreme caution)

Question 10

Rad findings of aa luxation

Answer 10

Widened space between dorsal C1 and C2 spinous process
Blunting/ absence of dens

Question 11

Radiographic findings of subluxation/ luxation of T-L spine

Answer 11

Narrowed intervertebral disc space
Displacement

Question 12

Block vertebrae

Answer 12

Fusion of 2 or more vertebral bodies
More common in cervical spine
Sacrum is normal block vertebrae

Question 13

With block vertebrae there’s an ↑ risk of __________

Answer 13

IVDD

Question 14

Hemivertebrae

Answer 14

Abnormal development/ ossification of vertebrae
Common in screw-tailed breeds
Abnormal rib spacing a clue

Question 15

Wedge-shaped hemivertebrae

Answer 15

Ventral aspect incompletely developed
Causes kyphosis
Best seen in lateral views

Question 16

Butterfly-shaped hemivertebrae

Answer 16

Mid aspect of body incompletely developed
Best seen in VD/DV views

Question 17

K9 vertebral formula

Answer 17

C7 T13 L7 S3 Cd18-21

Question 18

Feline vertebral formula

Answer 18

C7 T13 L7 S3 Cd6-23

Question 19

Equine vertebral formula

Answer 19

C7 T18 L6 S5 Cd15-21

Question 20

Where do transitional vertebrae occur

Answer 20

@ junctions cervicothoracic (C7,T1), Thoracolumbar (T13,L1), lumbosacral (L7,S1)

Question 21

Transitional vertebrae

Answer 21

When vertebrae @ one of the junctions exhibits anatomic characteristics of adjoining region
C7 vestigal ribs, hypoplastic ribs of T13 or L1, fusion of L7 transverse process with ilial wing

Question 22

What causes decreased opacity on spinal rads?

Answer 22

Focal/ multifocal osteopenia (neoplasia, discospondylitis, spondylitis)

Question 23

Discospondylitis

Answer 23

Infection of the intervertebral disc and endplates

Question 24

Radiographic findings of discospondylitis

Answer 24

Endplate lysis and sclerosis
Narrowing/ collapse of intervertebral disc space
New bone formation/ spondylosis deformans

Question 25

Spondylosis Deformans

Answer 25

Benign dz showing ↑ opacity Middle aged and geriatric animals Smooth bony proliferation ventrally

Question 26

Radiographic findings of intervertebral disc dz

Answer 26

Narrowed intervertebral disc space Mineralized disc material

Question 27

Myelogram

Answer 27

Positive contrast media injected into the subarachnoid space surrounding the SC Non-ionic iodinated contrast only

Question 28

Indications for myelogram

Answer 28

Outlining of SC in vertebral canal helps to determine of surgical lesion is present → SC compression or swelling, extent of lesion

Question 29

Complications of myelogram

Answer 29

Seizures Vomiting/ nausea Transient muscle spasms Transient apnea Death

Question 30

Myelography procedure

Answer 30

General anesthesia and survey radiographs Sterile prep of surgical site (cerebellomedullary cistern/ atlanto-occipital junction) Lumbar L5/L6 or L4/L5

Question 31

Extradural lesion

Answer 31

Intervertebral disc herniation Hemorrhage Ligamentous hypertrophy Neoplasia Subluxation/ luxation Stenosis

Question 32

Intradural- extramedullary lesions

Answer 32

Subarachnoid Diverticulum/ cyst Neoplasia Fungal granuloma

Question 33

Intramedullary lesions

Answer 33

Edema Contusion Neoplasia Fungal granuloma