Spine disorders encompass a range of conditions that can affect the vertebral column, also known as the spinal column or backbone. This column consists of 33 bones known as vertebrae. Each vertebra is separated by disk-shaped cushions, which provide flexibility and support.
One such condition is a burst fracture, where the primary bone of the spine, the vertebra, fractures in multiple directions. The vertebra consists of two main sections: the vertebral arch, a ring-shaped section that forms the roof of the spinal canal, and protects the spinal cord. Pathologic vertebral fractures may or may not cause symptoms. When they do, these may include pain in the back, legs, and arms, as well as neurological impairments like numbness and/or weakness in the arms or legs. This happens especially if the fracture affects the spinal cord and/or nerves in the spine. Learn more about burst fracture and pathologic fracture.
Another prevalent condition is herniation, derived from the term “hernia”, which refers to a part of the body bulging out through an abnormal opening. When referring to the spine, it pertains to the disc cushions between the bones. Specifically, in conditions such as herniated disc in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions.
The thoracic spine, located below the neck and connected to the ribs, is comprised of 12 vertebral bodies with discs in between. These discs act as cushions and allow for flexibility. Over time, these discs can degrade, leading to conditions like thoracic disc degeneration. Learn about thoracic disc degeneration.
Treatment for such disorders often involves microsurgical correction. For instance, ventral spinal cord herniation treatment encompasses the microsurgical correction of the herniated spinal cord and the repair of the dura’s abnormal opening. Understand more about ventral spinal cord herniation. In some cases, laminectomy, a procedure giving neurosurgeons access to the spinal canal to relieve pressure, is advised. When performed in the thoracic spine, it’s termed thoracic laminectomy. Dive deeper into thoracic laminectomy.
Diagnosing inflammatory disorders of the spine typically starts with a full physical examination, blood tests to identify infections, and X-rays to visualize spine changes. Explore more about spinal inflammatory disorders.
Lastly, the spine’s anatomical features are essential for medical practitioners. The spinous processes of the C6, 7, and T1 vertebrae are usually visible when the neck is flexed. For further anatomy insights, visit human anatomy.
