Podcast
Questions and Answers
What role does the patient history play in reducing the number of steps in a treatment procedure?
What role does the patient history play in reducing the number of steps in a treatment procedure?
It provides essential information that can streamline the assessment process.
Explain the significance of palpation in spinal assessment and why it is often overlooked.
Explain the significance of palpation in spinal assessment and why it is often overlooked.
Palpation is crucial for assessing soft tissue and joint integrity, yet it is frequently skipped due to time constraints or lack of emphasis in training.
Describe the two categories of spinal curves and their developmental origins.
Describe the two categories of spinal curves and their developmental origins.
Primary curves are present at birth, while secondary curves develop after birth through activities like sitting and walking.
What are the two main functions of the spine and how do they contribute to human movement?
What are the two main functions of the spine and how do they contribute to human movement?
Signup and view all the answers
Identify the region of the spine from which intervertebral discs are absent and explain why.
Identify the region of the spine from which intervertebral discs are absent and explain why.
Signup and view all the answers
What percentage of the nucleus pulposus is comprised of water, and how does its composition change with age?
What percentage of the nucleus pulposus is comprised of water, and how does its composition change with age?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe the primary function of the uncovertebral joints located in the cervical spine.
Describe the primary function of the uncovertebral joints located in the cervical spine.
Signup and view all the answers
At which vertebral level does the vertebral artery re-enter the spine, and what does it merge to form?
At which vertebral level does the vertebral artery re-enter the spine, and what does it merge to form?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the orientations of the zygapophyseal/facet joints in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions?
What are the orientations of the zygapophyseal/facet joints in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the aorta bifurcate into, and at which vertebral level does this occur?
What does the aorta bifurcate into, and at which vertebral level does this occur?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Referrals
- Thoroughly document the care provided and the treatment plan developed.
- Allow time for questions and clarification.
Knowledge Trimming and Speeding Up Procedure
- Thoroughness is crucial until the knowledge base is strong enough to confidently skip steps.
- Early inspection and information from the history can reduce the number of steps performed.
- Best evidence based practice makes the examination efficient and accurate.
- PROM (Passive Range of Motion) is often overlooked in a musculoskeletal assessment.
- Palpation is frequently skimmed or skipped entirely.
Spinal Anatomy
- The spine consists of 33 vertebrae.
- The spine is divided into three regions: Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar.
- The spine has two types of curves: Primary - present at birth; Secondary - develop after birth.
- The spine provides mobility and stability.
- Two mobility zones of the spine: Cervical and Lumbar.
- Three stability zones of the spine: Thoracic, Sacral, and Pelvis.
Vertebrae
- Vertebrae are comprised of:
- Body
- Spinous Process
- Transverse Process
- Lamina
- Pedicle
- Superior Articular Process
- Inferior Articular Process
Intervertebral Discs
- Intervertebral discs make up 25% of the length of the spinal cord.
- They protect the spine, absorb force, and provide tensile strength.
- There are 23 intervertebral discs in the spine.
- The C0-C1 region lacks an intervertebral disc.
- An intervertebral disc has two parts:
- Annulus Fibrosus (outer layer)
- Weakest posteriorly
- Includes the vertebral end plate
- Undergoes neovascularization
- Nucleus Pulposus (center core)
- 70-80% water content
- Degenerates with age
- Herniation causes increased load on the Annulus Fibrosus.
- Annulus Fibrosus (outer layer)
Vasculature
- The carotid artery splits at C4 into external and internal carotid arteries supplying the head and neck.
- The jugular veins drain into the brachial cephalic vein behind the clavicle.
- The vertebral arteries are clinically relevant:
- Travel superiorly through the transverse foramina.
- Merge to form the basilar artery.
- Re-enter at C6.
- The basilar artery supplies 10-20% of blood flow to the brain, particularly the deep parts.
- The basilar artery is an extension of the vertebral arteries.
- The aorta bifurcates into the left and right common iliac arteries at L4.
- The Vena Cava, common iliac artery and vein merge into the IVC.
Articulations
- Zygapophyseal/ facet joints:
- Covered in hyaline cartilage.
- Orientation varies by region:
- Cervical - oblique plane
- Thoracic - away from midline
- Lumbar - towards midline
- Cervical spine:
- Uncovertebral joints are small synovial joints found between the uncinate processes of the vertebrae and the lateral aspects of the adjacent vertebrae above them.
- These joints stabilize the cervical spine, allow limited motion, and prevent excessive movement.
Cervical Flexion
- Measurement: Use bottom of chin to chest, with 2 fingers being the normal range for cervical flexion.
Cervical Extension
- Cue patient to place hands over their buttcheeks or iliac crest.
- Instruct patient to stick their chest forward, extending the T-spine using the elbow to pull back while maintaining position.
- Observe for neck changes and potential clinical instability.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz covers essential concepts in spinal anatomy, including the structure, regions, and curves of the spine. It also addresses assessment techniques relevant to musculoskeletal examinations and emphasizes efficient, evidence-based practices. Test your knowledge on proper care documentation and the importance of thorough assessment steps.
