Thoracic spine Flashcards
what is the normal range and shape of thoracic spine?
-20-40 degrees
-hyphosis
describe the osteology of typical thoracic vertebra
-body - much bigger than spinal canal, but small in thoracic spine
-tranverse and spinous process are lengthy compared to other regions
-costal facets (superior and transverse) - RIBS to articulate to the vertebrae
-orientation of the articular facets lined in frontal plane (has impact on physiological movements that are present)
what is important to note about the lateral view of thoracic vertebrae
-the length of spinous process and the way it travels inferiorly
-full superior and 1/2 inferior costal facet - eg on T6 vertebrae - articulates with ribs above and below
describe T12 / atypical vertebra
-larger vertebral body
-less length in spinous and transverse processes
-1 articulation of facets
what are the functions of the thoracic spine?
1.load transmission
2. protect heart, lungs and major vessels eg aorta
3. mobility - however there is the least mobility in this region of the spine, also its lack of mobility NB can effect Cx, Lx and shoulder girdle
what structures give you stability in the thoracic spine?
-costotransverse, costovertebral and sternocostal joints
-rib cage and sternum
-thoracic IV discs
-radiate ligament
-strong intercostal fascia
what are the IV discs like in the thoracic spine?
-less height vs lumbar
-nucleus more central
-smaller nucleus with less capacity to swell
-more restrictive than rib cage
what are the main functions of the IV discs in the thoracic spine?
-sustain axial loading
-allow and restrain thoracic motion
-they are the primary restraint to thoracic rotation
what are the functions of the facet joints in the TH spine?
-resist anterior translation
-allows and then resists rotation (allows for vertebra above to rotate)
-allow side flexion
-contain meniscoid structures
how much of your flexion is done by thoracic spine?
very little
-cervical and lumbar much more mobile
describe the costotransverse joints
-small synovial joints
- where the neck and tubercle of a rib connect with the transverse process of a thoracic vertebra
-have strong ligaments
-small gliding movements
describe costovertebral joints
the joint at which the head of a rib articulates with the vertebral body of a thoracic vertebra
-plane synovial
-the joint cavity is divided into 2 by the intrarticular ligament
describe the other ligaments in thoracic spine
-much thicker and narrower than other regions eg anterior longitudinal ligament
-ligamentum flava
-radial ligament
what is important to note about the spinal canal in the thoracic spine?
-narrow
-the narrowest is T6 region - 14mm
-particularly vulnerable to degree changes or space occupying lesion or degeneration that could cause further canal narrowing and cord problems
in terms of nerves, what is important to note about the thoracic spine?
-automatic nerves - a lot of them come from here
