Athletic Injuries ATC 222

The Spine

Chapter 20

Anatomy• Vertebral Column

– 7 cervical vertebra– 12 thoracic vertebra– 5 lumbar vertebra– 5 sacral vertebra

• Intervertebral disks– annulus pulposus– nucleus pulposus

• Ligaments– anterior longitudinal– posterior longitudinal– supraspinous– interspinous

• Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves

Anatomy

Motion• Vertebral Column

– flexion/extension– right/left lateral flexion– left/right rotation

• Cervical– rotation C1-C2– flex/ext = atlanto-occipital joint

• Thoracic– flex/ext 20-30 degrees max

• Lumbar– 90% flex/ext occurs at L4-L5-S1

Mechanisms of Injury

Mechanisms:– axial loading

• spearing• straight column

– hyperflexion– hyperextension– lateral hyperflexion– rotation– combinations

• whip lash

Catastrophic Injury• Catastrophic Injury

– definition• Warning Signs:

– unconsciousness– deformity– loss of strength/movement in

extremities– anesthesia/paresthesia in

extremities• Assessment

– stabilize and calm athlete– call EMS– ABC’s

Specific Injuries• Fractures• Dislocations• Strain

– pain in muscle primarily– pain with AROM of muscle– pain with passive stretch of

muscle– pain/weakness w/ strength testing

• Brachial Plexus Syndrome– C5-T1– paresthesia, weakness– return to play criteria– treatment

• Prevention of Neck Injuries

Torticollis (Wry Neck)

• Definition• Causes • Signs and symptoms• Treatment

Pinched Nerve

• Causes• Signs and symptoms• Treatment

Thoracic and Lumbar Injuries

• Postural deviations– kyphosis– scoliosis– lordosis

• causes

• Normal posture– ear-shoulder-hip-knee-ankle– level knees, hips, and shoulders– normal vertebral curves

• Congenital abnormalities– may also be mechanical– spondylolysis Vs spondylolisthesis– causes and treatment

Herniated Disc

• Etiology• Signs and Symptoms• Treatment

GOOD BYE