The spine, characterized by a rather complex structure, is the basis of the skeleton and serves as a support for the whole organism. Its functions also include protection of the spinal cord, other structures of the musculoskeletal system are attached to it.
The spine has bends that help soften bumps when walking, running or jumping. Due to this, the pressure on the vertebrae is reduced, and it also helps to protect the brain from concussion. And the spinous processes of the spine limit its movement in the anteroposterior direction, due to which its integrity is preserved.
Vertebral structure
In the human vertebral column, which is divided into five sections, there are up to thirty- four vertebrae, interconnected by cartilage, joints and ligaments. The cervical vertebrae are the most fragile, the lumbar vertebrae are the most massive, as they carry the maximum load. All of them have a common structure: the body (spongy substance of a cylindrical shape), the arc on which the processes are located. The arc is attached to the body with the help of legs. In the hole formed is the spinal cord. The spinous processes of the spine provide the head, neck and trunk with a considerable amplitude of flexion and rotational movements.
The structural features of the processes
There are seven processes on each vertebra. To the right and to the left of the arc is a pair of transverse spines connected by transverse ligaments. Above and below there are also two articular processes. Through their vertebrae, they are held together and form facet joints.
The spinous process located on the seventh cervical vertebra is much longer than the others, therefore it protrudes forward.
Having felt all the processes, they determine the structure of the spinal column.
Inspection of the spine on the processes
As mentioned above, the spinous process extending from the seventh cervical vertebra protrudes forward. It is from him that the rest of the vertebrae begin to count.
Thanks to him, you can determine the location of the damage.
All spines of a healthy spine form a vertical line. Changes in the structure of the spinal column can be determined by palpation of the back (palpation of the patient's body). Two methods are used for verification.
The first way is to feel the spinous process with the index finger, starting from the cervical vertebrae and moving down to the sacrum.
The second method is based on the Turner method. The palm of the hand at an angle of 45 degrees is applied to the back. Hand movements in the direction of the spine feel the processes. In this case, pay attention to the distance between them. To determine the pain, palpation is performed with compression (force on the body).
On examination of a healthy person, palpation and compression are not accompanied by pain. If there is still pain or any tension, then an examination should be carried out, as this may indicate the presence of pathologies in the spine.
Fracture of the spinous process
Fracture of the spinous process of the vertebra occurs in isolation or together with other fractures, maybe without displacement or with it. Isolated passes without impaired spinal cord function.
It can occur under the influence of direct blows or with too strong extension of the axis of the spine, that is, the neck. Such fractures occur in sports injuries and traffic accidents.
This fracture is called the fracture of miners and diggers, because it is most often found in people of these professions.
Diagnosis and treatment
The clinical picture is manifested by pain at the site of injury. On palpation, the pain intensifies. The presence of a fracture of the spinous process is determined by the following signs: it shifts from the midline, the distance between the processes changes, movements are difficult or limited. In the area of injury, pain and muscle tension are felt, hemorrhage appears. Edema appears at the site of damage.
The place of damage is determined by counting from the seventh cervical vertebra, as well as using an x-ray (lateral projection).
More common fracture of the spinous process of the cervical vertebra. This is due to the fragility of the vertebrae of the cervical spine. More often occur in the sixth to seventh vertebra. The nature of the fracture is tear-off. Soreness increases with bending and turning the head. Difficult movement in the neck.
The spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae are tiled, the lumbar processes are perpendicular to the vertebral body. Fractures in the upper thoracic region can not always be determined using x-rays. In this case, the diagnosis is confirmed by a tomogram.
The fracture area is anesthetized with a solution of novocaine or lidocaine. In case of a fracture in the cervical spine, a cotton-gauze bandage, corset or collar of Shants are used. With a fracture in the thoracic and lumbar spine, bed rest, bandage, and corset are prescribed. You need to lie on a flat hard surface. After splicing, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, and massage are prescribed. During the rehabilitation period it is useful to engage in swimming.