Medical School

Cross section of the spinal cord

This series of CT scans demonstrates epidural gas in the cervical region (arrows). The gas entered the epidural space via a severe thoracic spinal fracture. Violation of the epidural space places the patient at increased risk for neurologic complications from infection.

Facet joints are formed by the overlapping of the projections from the lamina. The upper projection of one lamina (superior articular process) is overlapped by the lower projection (inferior articular process)  of the adjacent vertebra, and together form the facet join. There is a facet joint on each side of the spine at every level.

Compression fractures of the thoracic spine occur whenever the spinal column is subjected to forces that exceed its strength and stability. They may be first detected on chest radiographs by carefully evaluating the vertebral bodies. Typical findings on a plain radiograph for anterior compression fractures include cortical impaction, loss of vertical height, buckling of the anterior cortex, trabecular compaction, and endplate fracture. Lateral radiographs may provide better views of the spinal architecture. The image shown demonstrates kyphosis of the thoracic spine with an osteoporotic fracture of the T8 vertebral body (arrow).

Laser Endoscopic Spine Surgery is very effective for fast relief of back pain, neck pain, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, sciatica and degenerative disc disease. During endoscopic spine surgery, surgeons can make a single or even several very small incisions to perform the same procedure they would otherwise perform with large incisions during traditional, open surgery. As a result, there is minimal discomfort and a much quicker return to work and normal activities. Since endoscopic spine surgery is minimally invasive the risks of infection, nerve injury, bleeding and scarring are also lower.

Cross-Sectional Anatomy of the Spinal Cord

Cross-Sectional Anatomy of the Spinal Cord

X-ray of a patient’s spine with scoliosis

(via fuckyeahmedicaldiagrams)

Plain radiographs are typically the first line imaging modality for the evaluation of osteoporotic fractures. This radiograph of the spine shows a lateral wedge fracture of L3 (yellow asterisk) and compression fracture of L5 (red asterisk) in an osteoporotic patient who suffered a recent fall. More detailed imaging, usually with CT, is often needed to better evaluate compression fractures and to determine the urgency of surgical interventions.

Lumbar Vertebra

Thoracic Vertebra

Cervical Vertebra

Anatomy lesson:

a) Atlas, first cervical vertebra.
b) Axis (epistropheus), second cervical vertebra.
c) Seventh cervical vertebra.
d) Vertebral canal.
e) Odontoid process of the axis.
f) First thoracic vertebra.
g) Twelfth thoracic vertebra.
h) First lumbar vertebra.
i) Fifth lumbar vertebra.
k) First (true) rib.
l) Seventh (true) rib.
m) First false or eighth rib.
n) Last (twelfth) rib.
o) Manubrium sterni.
p) Body of sternum.
q) Xiphoid process sterni.
r) Clavicle.
s) Scapula.
t) Glenoid cavity of scapula (for the head of the humerus).

Although hip and spinal fractures are the most commonly associated osteoporosis-related fractures, low bone mineral density places all bones at risk for fracture. The humerus and tibia fractures shown here were in an osteoporotic patient with a spinal cord injury.