Hunchback Anatomy Quiz: Sacralization of L5 and Pregnancy Implications

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary anatomical feature of sacralization of L5?

Impingement of a prolapsed disc on the nerve root

Removal of the lamina to increase spinal canal space

Fusion of the transverse process of L5 to the sacrum on one or both sides (correct)

Narrowing of the L5-S1 intervertebral disc

Which of the following is NOT a potential symptom of sacralization of L5?

Asymptomatic presentation

Disc protrusion (correct)

Loss of function

Lower back pain

What is the primary purpose of performing a laminectomy?

To perform a small fenestration (windowing) within the ligamentum flavum

To increase the potential space in the spinal canal

To fuse the transverse process of L5 to the sacrum

To remove a prolapsed intervertebral disc that is impinging on the nerve root (correct)

What is the most important step before performing surgery to remove a prolapsed intervertebral disc?

Both a and b Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential effect of removing the lamina during a surgical procedure?

It will increase the potential space in the spinal canal and may relieve symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of performing a small fenestration (windowing) within the ligamentum flavum during a surgical procedure?

To provide access to the spinal canal for disc removal Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an abnormal lateral curvature or deviation most commonly seen in the thoracic region?

Scoliosis Signup and view all the answers

Which abnormal curvature is associated with an abnormal increase in the thoracic curvature?

Kyphosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the lumbar curvature along with an anterior tilt of the pelvis?

Lordosis Signup and view all the answers

Which spinal anomaly is defined by the nonfusion of the first and second segments of the sacrum?

Lumbarization Signup and view all the answers

What could be a possible physiological basis for functional scoliosis?

Related to handedness Signup and view all the answers

Which abnormal curvature is commonly associated with obesity and pregnancy?

Lordosis Signup and view all the answers

Where is the epidural space located in relation to the spinal cord?

Between the spinal column and outer membrane of the spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of administering epidural anesthesia?

To numb a specific region of the body, such as the lower abdomen and legs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common use of epidural anesthesia?

Head and neck surgery Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in administering epidural anesthesia?

Numbing the area where the needle will be inserted Signup and view all the answers

At what levels of the vertebral column can epidural anesthesia be performed?

At any level of the vertebral column Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the catheter used in epidural anesthesia?

To allow for continuous administration of the anesthetic Signup and view all the answers

Which term can be used interchangeably with rhizotomy?

Ablation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of securing the catheter on the back?

To reuse the catheter for future injections if needed Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve-related condition can be treated with rhizotomy?

Sciatica Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method used to destroy nerve fibers during rhizotomy?

Burning Signup and view all the answers

What type of pain can facet rhizotomy address?

Back and neck pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of rhizotomy in treating spasticity?

To reduce abnormal muscle tightness and spasms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common symptom of a protruded or ruptured disc in the lumbar region?

Sciatica with leg pain and/or low-back pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of a protruded or ruptured disc?

Attempting to lift too much weight and/or lifting incorrectly Signup and view all the answers

In spina bifida occulta, what is the typical condition of the spinal cord and spinal nerves?

The spinal cord and spinal nerves are typically normal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinguishing feature of spina bifida cystica?

The protrusion is in the form of a cyst or sac Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about spina bifida occulta is true?

It is found in approximately 10% of the population Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between spina bifida occulta and spina bifida cystica?

Spina bifida cystica involves the herniation of the spinal cord and/or meninges, while occulta does not Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rhizotomy

A minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove sensation from a painful nerve by killing nerve fibers responsible for sending pain signals to the brain.
Can be used to address different types of pain and abnormal nerve activity, such as:
- Back and neck pain from arthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other degenerative spine conditions.
- Trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain due to the irritation of the trigeminal nerve).
- Pain in joints, such as the hip and knee, resulting from arthritis.
- Other conditions affecting the peripheral nerves.
- Spasticity (abnormal muscle tightness and spasms).

Sacralization of L5

A congenital anomaly where the transverse process of L5 fuses to the sacrum on one or both sides, to the ilium, or to both sacrum and ilium.
Usually presents bilaterally, causing lower back pain.
The L5-S1 intervertebral disc may also be thin and narrow.

Laminectomy

A surgical procedure to remove the lamina to increase the potential space and relieve symptoms.
May require removal of the disc protrusion.
Importance of identifying the level of the disc protrusion before surgery using MRI scanning and on-table fluoroscopy.

Spina Bifida

A developmental defect in the vertebral column in which there is an absence of the vertebral arches.
Types:
- Spina bifida occulta: a defect of the vertebral arch that results from the failure of the development and fusion of the halves of the vertebral arch.
- Spina bifida cystica: a severe form of spina bifida that involves the herniation of the spinal cord and/or meninges through a defect in a number of vertebral arches.

Abnormal Curvatures of the Vertebral Column

Kyphosis (hunchback): an abnormal increase in the thoracic (1°) curvature.
Lordosis (saddle back): an abnormal increase in the lumbar (2°) curvature.
Scoliosis (crookedness): an abnormal lateral curvature or deviation most commonly seen in the thoracic region.
Lumbarization: a spinal anomaly defined by the nonfusion of the first and second segments of the sacrum.

Epidural Anesthesia

A local anesthetic injected near the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Infiltrated in the fat tissue that surrounds the spinal nerve roots in the epidural space using a catheter inserted in the space through an epidural needle.
Used to:
- Supplement general anesthesia.
- As the main anesthesia in certain surgical procedures involving thoracic, abdominal, pelvic, or lower extremity regions.
- Help control pain after major surgery to the belly or chest.
- Childbirth.

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Description

Learn about abnormal curvatures of the vertebral column, including kyphosis (hunchback) and lordosis (saddle back). Understand the causes, symptoms, and effects of these conditions on the thoracic and lumbar curvatures.

Clinical Anatomy of the Back