Anatomy
The number of vertebrae that make up the lumbar spine
What is 5?
These zones are the most common locations for spinal trauma (just the name not the levels)
What is the transition zone?
First line imaging for acute blunt trauma to the thoracolumbar region
What is CT scan?
All spinal fractures requires surgical intervention (True/False)
What is false?
This spinal column contains the posterior vertebral body and posterior longitudinal ligament
What is the middle column?
These spinal levels make up the transition zones
What is C7-T1 and T11-L2?
Imaging indicated when neurological injury or posterior ligamentous complex injury is suspected
What is an MRI?
This type of treatment can be used for stable compression and burst fractures
What is supportive care?
This is a bundle of nerves that often begin around the level of L1-L2
What is the cauda equina?
This type of fracture occurs as a result of hyperflexion during an axial load causing the anterior portion of the vertebra to become crushed
What is a wedge compression fracture?
A compression fracture results from failure of which column
What is the anterior column?
This may be indicated for stable fractures with pain persisting longer than 6 weeks
What is a kyphoplasty vs a vertebroplasty?
These structures connect adjacent vertebrae and allow movements like flexion, extension, and rotation
What are the facet joints?
This type of fracture occurs when a vertebra is crushed by an axial load causing fragments to displace in all directions
What is a burst fracture?
A burst fracture is a failure of these columns
What is are the anterior and middle columns?
This is the treatment of choice for an unstable flexion distraction fracture
What is surgical fixation?
This is the ligament that connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae
What is the ligamentum flavum?
This type of fracture is often associated with seatbelt injuries, especially when lap belts are used alone
What is a flexion-distraction fracture?
A flexion distraction injury involves failure of these columns
What are the middle and posterior columns?
A patient presents after a high speed MVC with a fracture that involves all three columns. What is the definitive treatment?
What is surgical stabilization?