Vertebral Column Anatomy and Pathologies

Structure of Vertebral Column

• Composed of individual vertebrae, which form both natural and pathological curvatures.
• Natural curvatures contribute to spinal strength and flexibility, while pathologic curvatures can indicate underlying health issues.

Regional Differences in Vertebral Column

• Cervical vertebrae have small bodies and bifid spinous processes, facilitating neck mobility.
• Thoracic vertebrae are larger, articulate with ribs, and have long spinous processes, limiting movement.
• Lumbar vertebrae are the largest, designed to bear weight and allow for more movement.
• The sacrum consists of fused vertebrae, providing pelvic stability.
• C1 (atlas) supports the skull and allows for nodding; C2 (axis) allows rotational movement.
• Common pathologies include Hangman’s fracture (C2) and fracture of the dens, which can be life-threatening.

Ligaments of Vertebral Column

• Various ligaments support the vertebral column; key examples include the anterior longitudinal ligament and ligamentum flavum.
• Ligaments are crucial for stability but can be damaged in hyperextension or over-rotation injuries.
• Ligamentum flavum, when hypertrophied, can contribute to spinal stenosis, narrowing the spinal canal.

Joints of Vertebral Column

• Facet joints provide stability and allow for movements such as flexion, extension, and rotation.
• Each region of the vertebral column allows different types of movement based on joint structure.
• Pathologies associated with the joints include:
  • Herniated discs, which can lead to nerve compression and pain.
  • Spondylolysis, often indicated by the "Scotty Dog Sign" on imaging, represents a defect in vertebra.
  • Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips forward over another, potentially causing nerve issues.

Structure of Vertebral Column

• Composed of individual vertebrae, which form both natural and pathological curvatures.
• Natural curvatures contribute to spinal strength and flexibility, while pathologic curvatures can indicate underlying health issues.

Regional Differences in Vertebral Column

• Cervical vertebrae have small bodies and bifid spinous processes, facilitating neck mobility.
• Thoracic vertebrae are larger, articulate with ribs, and have long spinous processes, limiting movement.
• Lumbar vertebrae are the largest, designed to bear weight and allow for more movement.
• The sacrum consists of fused vertebrae, providing pelvic stability.
• C1 (atlas) supports the skull and allows for nodding; C2 (axis) allows rotational movement.
• Common pathologies include Hangman’s fracture (C2) and fracture of the dens, which can be life-threatening.

Ligaments of Vertebral Column

• Various ligaments support the vertebral column; key examples include the anterior longitudinal ligament and ligamentum flavum.
• Ligaments are crucial for stability but can be damaged in hyperextension or over-rotation injuries.
• Ligamentum flavum, when hypertrophied, can contribute to spinal stenosis, narrowing the spinal canal.

Joints of Vertebral Column

• Facet joints provide stability and allow for movements such as flexion, extension, and rotation.
• Each region of the vertebral column allows different types of movement based on joint structure.
• Pathologies associated with the joints include:
  • Herniated discs, which can lead to nerve compression and pain.
  • Spondylolysis, often indicated by the "Scotty Dog Sign" on imaging, represents a defect in vertebra.
  • Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips forward over another, potentially causing nerve issues.