Spine Pathology Flashcards
12 topics
nerve compression caused by narrowing of the spinal cord or neural foramina
spinal stenosis
compression of the actual spinal cord
central stenosis
compression of the nerve root as it exits the spinal canal
lateral stenosis
where does spinal stenosis most commonly occur?
lumbar spine > cervical > thoracic
occurs with exacerbation of pain when walking, lumbar pain is relieved by leaning forward, and pain radiates down one or both legs/arms
spinal stenosis
bundle of spinal nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord in the lumbar region that includes the sacral plexus and terminates at L1/L2
cauda equina
where does the cauda equina provide motor/sensory? (2)
lower extremities
pelvis for bowel/bladder function
a patient presents with severe low back pain that radiates down the leg, has asymmetric LE motor weakness/sensory loss, loss of reflexes in LE, saddle anesthesia (L3-L5), has onset of bowel/bladder dysfunction, and recent onset of sexual dysfunction. Dx?
cauda equina syndrome
what is the most consistent sign in cauda equina syndrome?
urinary retention
what is the treatment of cauda equina syndrome?
refer to ER or spine surgeon
surgery within 24-48 hours
what imaging is used to diagnose cauda equina syndrome?
MRI
what is the most common area to have a herniated nucleus pulposus?
lumbar spine
when the annulus fibrosus breaks open or cracks and allows the nucleus pulposus to escape
herniated nucleus pulposus
diagnose?
severe compression of the spinal cord
what spinal levels are the #1 most common areas of a herniated nucleus pulposus?
L4/L5
L5/S1
what spinal levels are the #2 most common areas of a herniated nucleus pulposus?
C4/C5
C5/C6
a patient presents with back pain that radiates, numbness, tingling to arms/legs, positional changes makes symptoms worse, abnormal reflexes, and decreased sensation. Dx?
herniated nucleus pulposus
what imaging gives the definitive diagnosis of herniated nucleus pulposus?
MRI
what is the conservative treatment for a herniated nucleus pulposus? (4)
pain meds/therapies
anti-inflammatories
physical therapy
epidural steroid injections
what is the treatment for a herniated nucleus pulposus for patients that fail cons. treatment or have weakness on exam?
discectomy +/- laminectomy +/- foraminotomy
arthritis of the spine involving changes to the bones, discs, ligaments and joints; the discs of the spine gradually break down, lose fluid, and become stiffer
spondylosis
what is visible on an xray of a patient with spondylosis? what can it lead to? (2)
osteophytes (spurs)
central or lateral stenosis
a patient presents with neck stiffness and pain, headache, pain in shoulder and arms, cannot fully turn their head/bend their neck, has a grinding noise when neck is turned. Dx?
cervical spondylosis
when can spondylosis cause arm/leg pain, weakness, and abnormal reflexes?
if osteophytes press on spinal nerves
a patient presents with lower back stiffness and pain, pain in the hips/legs, worsened with increased activity and long sitting. Dx?
lumbar spondylosis
what is the first line imaging for spondylosis?
xrays
what is the cons. treatment for spondylosis? (4)
NSAIDs
physical therapy
weight loss
epidural steroid injections
what is the surgical treatment for spondylosis in patients who fail cons. treatment or have loss of function with weakness? (3)
laminectomy
foraminotomy
+/- cervical/lumbar fusion