24. Define type of torticollis?

Torticollis is a clinical diagnosis based on head tilt in association with a rotatory deviation of the cranium. Congenital muscular torticollis is the most common type of torticollis. It presents in the newborn period. Its cause is unknown, but it has been hypothesized to arise from compression of the soft tissues of the neck during delivery, resulting in a compartment syndrome. Radiographs of the cervical spine should be obtained to rule out congenital vertebral anomalies. Clinical examination reveals spasm of the sternocleidomastoid muscle on the same side as the tilt causing the typical posture of head tilt toward the tightened muscle and chin rotation to the opposite side. Initial treatment is stretching and is successful in up to 90% of patients during the first year of life. Surgery is considered for persistent deformity after 1 year of age. Common problems noted in patients with congenital muscular torticollis include congenital and (facial asymmetry).

Source: Spine Secret Plus, 2nd ed. page 256.

25. What clinical problems result from basilar impression?

Patients present with a short neck, painful cervical motion, and asymmetric of the skull and face. Additional clinical problems include nuchal pain, vertigo, long tract signs with associated cerebellar ataxia, and lower cranial nerve involvement resulting in dysarthria and dysphagia

Source: Spine Secret Plus, 2nd ed. page 258

26. What is Steel’s Rule of Third?

Steel noted that the area of the spinal canal at the C1 leve in a normal person could be divided into equal thirds with one third occupied by the odontoid process, one third by the spinal cord, and one third as empty space. The empty space serves as a safe zone into which displacement can occur without neurologic impingement. In the presence of atlantoaxial instability, the safe zone may decrease resulting in spinal cord compression.

Source: Spine Secret Plus, 2nd ed. page 258

27. Describe the typical presentation of a patient with thoracic Scheuermann’s disease?

A male or female approaching the end of skeletal growth (12–15 years old) presents with complaints of thoracic deformity and/or . The patient has an increased thoracic , which is accentuated with forward-bending. Patients are not able to correct the kyphotic deformity by active extension. Thirty percent of patients have mild in addition to increased kyphosis. A compensatory increase in cervical causes the head to translate forward. Patients often have tight hamstrings.

Source: Spine Secret Plus, 2nd ed. page 279 28. What are the accepted radiographic criteria for diagnosis of thoracic Scheuermann’s disease?

The commonly accepted criteria--5° of wedging of three adjacent vertebrae--were popularized by Sorenson. Thoracic kyphosis greater than 50°, vertebral endplate irregularities, Schmorl’s nodes, and decreased disc space height are additional radiographic findings that may be present. Scheuermann’s kyphosis is structural and does not correct to within normal limits with maximal extension.

Source: Spine Secret Plus, 2nd ed. page 279

29. What are the indication for orthotic treatment for Scheuermann’s kyphosis?

Extension bracing is appropriate for curves between 45° and 74° with 2 years of growth remaining and greater than 5° wedging. An apex at T9 or above it traditionally treated with a Milwaukee type brace. A thoracolumbar orthosis (TLSO) is considered if the apex is below T9. Braces should be updated every 4 to 6 months to maximize deformity correction and weaned with skeletal maturity.

Source: Spine Secret Plus, 2nd ed. page 280

30. What is the cause of congenital scoliosis?

A lateral curvature of the spine is caused by vertebral anomalies that produce a frontal plane growth asymmetry. Homeobox genes of the Hox class are thought to be responsible for the congenital spinal malformations.

Source: Spine Secret Plus, 2nd ed. page 291.