Thoracic and Lumbar Spine

Which spinal curvature is characteristic of the thoracic spine?

What is the primary indication for obtaining oblique views of the lumbar spine?

In radiographic interpretation of the lumbar spine, visualizing the T12-L1 disc space is crucial for ensuring adequate coverage. What anatomical landmark confirms the inferior extent of a lumbar spine x-ray?

Which imaging modality is generally considered superior for identifying soft tissue injuries of the spine, such as ligamentous damage or disc herniation?

An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a common spinal procedure. What do the initials 'ESI' stand for?

A patient presents with acute lower back pain following a fall. Which initial radiographic view is MOST useful for a preliminary assessment of the lumbar spine?

What anatomical feature of a lumbar vertebra is represented by the 'eye' of the 'Scottie dog' on an oblique radiographic view?

Which of the following is a typical indication for a CT scan of the thoracic or lumbar spine WITHOUT contrast?

What is the abbreviation 'DDD' commonly used to describe in the context of spinal pathology?

In assessing alignment on a lateral lumbar spine radiograph, which line is typically drawn along the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies?

What is the clinical significance of the 'neck' of the 'Scottie dog' in oblique lumbar spine radiographs?

For which of the following indications is MRI of the thoracic or lumbar spine WITH contrast generally preferred?

What is the anatomical term for the opening through which the spinal cord passes in each vertebra?

Which of the following views is MOST effective for assessing spondylolisthesis?

What does 'HNP' stand for in spinal terminology?

In reading a thoracic spine AP radiograph, which of the following is a landmark for the approximate level of T3?

Which spinal ligament is located anterior to the vertebral bodies?

A 'swimmer's view' x-ray is often utilized in thoracic spine imaging. What is the primary purpose of this specialized view?

Which component of the vertebra projects posteriorly and is palpable along the midline of the back?

What is the term for a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the lamina of a vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots?

In the context of spinal instability, which radiographic views are typically obtained to assess for abnormal movement between vertebrae?

What is the approximate vertebral level of the tracheal bifurcation, a key landmark in thoracic radiography?

Which of the following is NOT typically evaluated when assessing 'Bones' in the 'ABCS' approach to reading spine radiographs?

What is the lordotic curvature?

What is the abbreviation for Lumbar Microdiscectomy with Fusion?

Which part of the vertebra forms the posterior portion of the vertebral foramen?

In assessing vertebral body height on a lateral spine radiograph, where should measurements be compared to detect compression fractures?

Which imaging modality is considered inferior to CT for the identification and characterization of cortical fractures of the vertebral bodies?

What is the primary indication for obtaining flexion and extension views of the lumbar spine?

Which term describes the cartilaginous structure between vertebral bodies?

What is the 'body' of the 'Scottie dog' analogy in oblique lumbar spine radiographs?

For optimal visualization of the thoracic spine on a lateral radiograph, what additional view might be necessary if the upper thoracic vertebrae are obscured?

Which of the following is an indication for obtaining a thoracic and lumbar spine X-ray?

What is the term for the condition where there is a defect or fracture in the pars interarticularis, often described as a 'collar' on the Scottie dog?

In the 'ABCS' approach to radiographic interpretation of the spine, what does 'C' typically stand for?

Which of the following is considered a 'soft tissue' structure evaluated in spinal radiography?

What is the required vertebral level visualization for a thoracic spine x-ray to ensure adequate anatomical coverage?

Which view is specifically used to assess for 'Scottie dog' abnormalities in lumbar spine imaging?

What is the significance of evaluating 'Alignment' in the systematic reading of thoracolumbar spine x-rays?

In a lateral lumbar spine radiograph demonstrating 'loss of height' of a vertebral body, what is the MOST likely interpretation?

What is the primary advantage of MRI over CT in evaluating spinal conditions?

What is the most common mechanism of injury associated with a Chance fracture?

Which imaging modality is BEST for the initial evaluation of bony elements in an unstable Chance fracture?

At which vertebral levels are Chance fractures MOST commonly seen?

A patient involved in a high-speed MVA complains of severe back pain. Imaging reveals a fracture with collapse of the entire vertebral body. Which type of fracture is MOST likely?

What radiographic finding is MOST indicative of a burst fracture on a frontal view?

A patient presents with a compression injury to a vertebral body, but the posterior wall remains intact, and the spinal canal is not involved. Which of the following fractures is MOST likely?

What is the TYPICAL mechanism of injury for a wedge fracture?

A patient presents with localized back pain after a motor vehicle accident. Radiographs reveal a fracture involving the spinous process of C7. This is referred to as:

Following a fall, a patient complains of pain localized to the mid-thoracic region. Imaging reveals multiple fractures of the spinous processes. What type of injury should be suspected?

What is the MOST common location for lumbar disc herniations?

A patient presents with low back pain radiating down the leg, exacerbated by prolonged sitting. Which of the following conditions is MOST likely?

When is contrast typically indicated for MRI of the lumbar spine in the evaluation of herniated disc?

A patient with an L4-L5 disc herniation is MOST likely to exhibit weakness in which of the following movements?

A patient presents with suspected nerve root compression. Which electrodiagnostic test measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction?

Which diagnostic study involves injecting contrast dye into a spinal disc to determine the location of a damaged disc?

A patient presents with saddle anesthesia, bowel and bladder incontinence, and bilateral leg weakness. Which of the following conditions is MOST indicated?

Which of the following is MOST important in the management of Cauda Equina Syndrome?

Which diagnostic imaging modality is MOST appropriate for initial diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome?

A patient undergoes an NCV test. Which description BEST describes NCV?

What is the MOST likely cause of a decreased speed observed during a Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) test?

Which of the following mechanisms is LEAST likely to result in a spinous process fracture?

In the context of lumbar disc herniation, which nerve root is MOST likely affected by a central herniation at the L5-S1 level?

A patient presents with severe back pain following a motor vehicle accident. Imaging reveals a burst fracture with retropulsion of fracture fragments into the spinal canal. Which of the following additional injuries should the clinician be MOST concerned about?

During lumbar discography, a patient reports that the pain reproduced by the injection into the L4-L5 disc is MORE severe and distinct compared to other levels tested. What is the MOST likely interpretation of this finding?

A patient is diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome. If left untreated, which of the following complications is MOST likely to occur?