Plumb Line Posture Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Where should the plumb line fall in a lateral view for the head and neck?

Through the chin

Through the ear lobe (correct)

Above the head

Behind the ear

The head lies anterior to the plumb line indicates a forward head posture.

True

What is the definition of flattened lordotic?

The plumb line lies anterior to the vertebral bodies.

What may cause excessive lordotic curve according to plumb line posture?

The plumb line lies posterior to the vertebral bodies Signup and view all the answers

What indicates forward shoulders in plumb line posture?

The acromion process lies anterior to the plumb line. Signup and view all the answers

What are common faults in lumbar vertebrae according to plumb line posture?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is genu recurvatum?

Knee is hyperextended with the plumb line anterior to the joint. Signup and view all the answers

If the knees have a flexed position, the plumb line falls posterior to the joint axis.

True Signup and view all the answers

Where does the plumb line lie for a forward posture?

The plumb line is posterior to the body. Signup and view all the answers

Match the fault with its definition:

Cubitus valgus = Forearm deviates laterally from the arm at angle greater than 15°. Cubitus varus = Forearm deviates medially from the arm at an angle of less than 15°. Genu varum = The distal segment deviates toward midline in relation to the proximal segment. Genu valgum = The mechanical axis for the lower limbs is displaced laterally. Signup and view all the answers

What does a posterior pelvic tilt indicate?

The superior pubic ramus is superior to the posterior inferior iliac spines. Signup and view all the answers

Hallux valgus is the lateral deviation of the first digit at the metatarso-phalangeal joint.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is claw toes?

Hyperextension of the metatarso-phalangeal joint and flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joints. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the plumb line in evaluating sitting posture?

The pelvis assumes a posterior tilt with the pelvic bones in alignment with the pubic ramus. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Plumb Line Posture Overview

Plumb line: Vertical line used to assess body alignment, important for evaluating posture.
The plumb line ideally falls through specific anatomical landmarks at different body segments.

Head and Neck

Lateral View: Plumb line falls through the ear lobe to the acromion process.
Common Faults:
- Forward Head: Head positioned anterior to the plumb line.
- Flattened Lordotic Position: Plumb line lies anterior to vertebral bodies.
- Excessive Lordotic Curve: Plumb line lies posterior to vertebral bodies.

Shoulders

Plumb Line Position: Falls through the acromion process.
Common Faults:
- Forward Shoulders: Acromion process lies anterior to the plumb line.

Lumbar Vertebrae

Plumb Line: Falls midway between abdomen/back and slightly anterior to the sacroiliac joint.
Common Faults:
- Lordotic posture, sway back, flat back.

Knees

Plumb Line: Passes slightly anterior to the midline.
Common Faults:
- Genu Recurvatum: Knee hyperextended, plumb line anterior to the joint axis.
- Flexed Knee: Plumb line falls posterior to the joint axis.

Ankles and Feet

Plumb Line: Lies slightly anterior to the lateral malleolus.
Common Faults:
- Forward Posture: Plumb line posterior to the body, weight on metatarsal heads, potentially due to dorsiflexion and tight dorsal musculature.

Posterior View Assessment

Head and Neck: Plumb line bisects the body into left and right halves.
Common Faults:
- Head Tilt: Head deviates to one side; due to tightness in neck flexors or vertebrae compression.
- Head Rotation: Plumb line deviated due to muscle tightness on one side.

Shoulders and Scapulae (Posterior View)

Plumb Line Position: Falls midway between the shoulders.
Common Faults:
- Dropped Shoulder: One shoulder lower; often due to hand dominance or muscle tightness.
- Elevated Shoulder: Higher shoulder due to tightness in upper trapezius.

Trunk Alignment

Plumb Line: Bisects spinous processes of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.
Common Faults:
- Lateral Deviation (Scoliosis): Spinous processes deviate due to muscle length discrepancies and compression of vertebrae.

Pelvis and Hip

Plumb Line: Bisects the gluteal cleft and posterior superior iliac spines.
Common Faults:
- Lateral Pelvic Tilt: One side higher, often due to scoliosis or leg-length discrepancies.
- Pelvic Rotation: Plumb line deviates left or right.

Knee Alignment

Common Faults:
- Genu Varum: Knee joint lateral to mechanical axis; often due to muscle tightness.
- Genu Valgum: Lower limb mechanical axis displaced laterally.

Ankle and Foot

Common Faults:
- Pes Planus (Pronated): Decreased medial arch; may lead to ligament stretching.
- Pes Cavus (Supinated): High medial arch; associated with muscle tightness.

Anterior View Assessment

Head and Neck: Lateral tilt and mandibular asymmetry due to muscle tightness and misalignment.

Elbows and Arms

Plumb Line: Forms a carrying angle of 5° to 15° laterally.
Common Faults:
- Cubitus Valgus: Lateral deviation over 15°; due to hyperextension or ligament stretching.
- Cubitus Varus: Medial deviation; often caused by fractures or ligament issues.

Sitting Posture

Pelvic Position: Common faults include excessive pelvic tilting due to muscle tightness or elongation.

Additional Resources

Video resource for visual understanding: Plumb Line Video
Detailed guide available at: Plumb Line Information

Description

Test your knowledge on plumb line posture with these flashcards. Each card presents a different aspect of how plumb lines relate to body alignment, especially in the head and neck. Perfect for students of anatomy or physical therapy.