![]() Secondary ossification begins during puberty and is usually complete by the third decade. The secondary ossification centres for the first and second cervical vertebrae are variable. Secondary ossification centres include the endplate annular apophyses and the apophyses of the transverse and spinous processes. Primary ossification begins in utero during the first trimester and is usually complete by the first year of age. Most vertebrae are derived from three primary ossification centres, with the constant exception being the second cervical vertebra. The posterior elements, or neural arch, surround and protect the spinal cord. The vertebral bodies of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine are separated by intervertebral discs and together they are responsible for stability as well as weight transfer and distribution. The vertebrae are composed of the vertebral body and the posterior elements or neural arch. Spine and spinal cord development are closely intertwined despite arising from different progenitor cells. The differences in anatomy and physiology for each region of the spine are important for understanding the common locations of degenerative changes and when evaluating these different regions with MRI. The spine is composed of seven cervical, 12 thoracic, five lumbar, five sacral, and four coccygeal vertebral segments. MRI offers superior tissue contrast resolution over radiography and computed tomography (CT) imaging modalities that inadequately assess the spinal cord and use ionising radiation. Imaging evaluation is valuable for patients with worrying clinical features, particularly those with prior surgery, the elderly, those on chronic steroid use, or with osteoporosis, low-velocity trauma, suspected or known cancer, infection, or immunosuppression. When conservative management of low back pain fails, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for further evaluation. The imaging of these patients without red flags is being targeted by the Choosing Wisely campaign, due to its overuse, because investigating and surgically intervening in a patient with low back pain prior to conservative management contributes significantly to health care expenditure. The third most demanding condition of health expenditure is low back and neck pain, after diabetes and ischaemic heart disease. ![]() Low back pain is the most common cause of years lived with disability and the third highest cause of disability-adjusted life years. The global prevalence of low back pain is 9.6%, and it is one of the most common reasons for visiting a primary health care provider, with almost all persons experiencing lower back pain at some time in their life. Low back pain is common and contributes significantly to patient morbidity and healthcare expenditure.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |