Thoracic-Dorsal-Spine.pdf

Orthopaedic

Assessments

THORACIC

(DORSAL)

SPINE

Agenda

Introduction

Applied anatomy

Patient history

Observation

Examination

Active ROM

Passive ROM

Isometric resisted ROM

Special tests

Thoracic Spine - Introduction

-Most rigid part of the spine due to the

ribs

-Must include examination of the ribs

as well as the areas above and below

Thoracic Spine - Introduction

-The thoracic spine serves to protect

organs (ie. heart, lungs)

-Primary curve – kyphosis

-Lumbar and cervical spine are

secondary curves (lordoses)

Thoracic Spine – Applied Anatomy

-The spinal canal is small and circular

-Smallest at T1-3, largest at T12

-Facets are located on the TVPs and the

bodies (costotransverse and costovertebral

joints)

-Superiorly to inferiorly, the TVPs reduce in

size from large, wing-like structures to

become more short and blunt