Anaesthesia Fundamentals | Anatomy | Spine: Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebrae and Sacrum

Spine: Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Vertebrae and Sacrum
Session Overview
Description
The session covers the anatomy of the bones of the vertebral column in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the anatomy of a typical vertebra
• Explain the characteristic features of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae
• Identify the foramina of the spine

The vertebral column is designed to protect the spinal cord and allow a person to stand upright (Fig 1). It also allows flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation. In essence, it provides structure, cord protection and flexibility.

Knowledge of the spine informs a lot of the work of anaesthetists. Three-dimensional knowledge of spinal anatomy is an essential prerequisite for the safe provision of neuraxial anaesthesia and analgesia. Knowledge of the articulation between the first and second cervical vertebrae ensures careful intubation of the unconscious patient who has had a road traffic accident and of the patient with rheumatoid arthritis who has an unstable neck.

In a chronic pain clinic, knowing how close a facet joint is to the intervertebral foramen or how close the intervertebral disc is to the spinal cord provides an insight into why a patient may have backache alone or with neuropathic leg pain. Knowledge of the intervertebral articulations is essential for performing procedures related to chronic pain such as facet joint injection.

The session will be divided into the following sections:

• Overview of the vertebral column
• Anatomical features of a 'typical' vertebra - mid-thoracic
• Specific features of the different vertebrae: cervical, thoracic and lumbar