SPINE

SPINE

The spinal column consists of 33 vertebrae with 23 interver tebral discs. This is supported by numerous ligaments and paraspinal muscles. When observed from the front (coronal plane) with the patient standing and the hips and knees fully extended, the head should be centred over the sacrum. A ‘plumb line’ dropped from the spinous process of C7 should fall through the gluteal cr ease ( Figure 35.2 ). If it falls to either side of the cleft, la teral tilt of the spine is present. The ear, shoulder and greater trochanter of the hip should lie in the same vertical plane. When the patient is observed from the side, assess the four physiological sagittal plane curves (cervical and lumbar lordosis, and thoracic and sacral kyphosis) ( Figure 35.3 ). SPINE

The spinal column consists of 33 vertebrae with 23 interver tebral discs. This is supported by numerous ligaments and paraspinal muscles. When observed from the front (coronal plane) with the patient standing and the hips and knees fully extended, the head should be centred over the sacrum. A ‘plumb line’ dropped from the spinous process of C7 should fall through the gluteal cr ease ( Figure 35.2 ). If it falls to either side of the cleft, la teral tilt of the spine is present. The ear, shoulder and greater trochanter of the hip should lie in the same vertical plane. When the patient is observed from the side, assess the four physiological sagittal plane curves (cervical and lumbar lordosis, and thoracic and sacral kyphosis) ( Figure 35.3 ).