| A | B |
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| What are the main components of the thoracic spine? | 12 vertebrae (T1 to T12) Intervertebral discs Spinal cord Rib attachments (facets for ribs on the vertebrae) Thoracic spinal nerves |
| What makes thoracic vertebrae distinct from other spinal regions? | Articular facets for rib attachments Long spinous processes that slant downward Smaller vertebral bodies compared to lumbar vertebrae Transverse processes that have facets for rib articulation (except T11 and T12) |
| What are common pathologies affecting the thoracic spine? | Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of facet joints Kyphosis: Excessive outward curvature (hunchback) Herniated Disc: Displacement of intervertebral disc material Fractures: Compression fractures, often due to osteoporosis Scoliosis: Lateral curvature of the spine |
| What is spinal stenosis in the thoracic region? | A condition where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Common causes include disc bulging, thickened ligaments, and vertebral degeneration. Symptoms: Pain, numbness, and weakness in the back, arms, and legs |
| What is a thoracic disc herniation? | A condition where the disc material (nucleus pulposus) bulges or leaks out through a tear in the disc wall. Symptoms: Severe back pain, numbness, and potential weakness. Less common than lumbar or cervical herniations, but more dangerous due to the proximity to the spinal cord |
| What are the signs of vertebral compression fractures in the thoracic spine? | Clinical signs: Acute pain, especially in the back, and tenderness over the vertebral body |
| What is thoracic kyphosis, and what are the diagnostic criteria? | Thoracic kyphosis is an exaggerated outward curve of the thoracic spine, leading to a hunched-back appearance. |
| What are the key features of thoracic scoliosis and how is it diagnosed? | Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, often with rotation of the vertebrae. Key Features: A C-shaped or S-shaped curve in the spine. A curve greater than 10 degrees is considered abnormal. |
