Postural Deviations & Pathologies Flashcards

The Cobb angle is the standard radiographic measurement used to quantify the degree of which spinal deviation?

Answer: Lateral scoliotic curvature

The Cobb angle is drawn on X-ray between lines parallel to the most tilted vertebrae at the ends of a scoliotic curve, quantifying its lateral magnitude.

Which landmarks define ideal postural alignment along the plumb line from a lateral view?

Answer: Lateral malleolus, mid-knee, greater trochanter, acromion, and earlobe

Ideal lateral alignment has the plumb line passing through the lateral malleolus, mid-knee, greater trochanter, shoulder (acromion), and earlobe.

What does a rib hump observed during Adam's forward bend test clinically confirm?

Answer: Vertebral rotation associated with scoliosis

A rib hump appears because vertebral rotation in scoliosis pushes the posterior rib cage upward on one side, confirming the rotational component of structural scoliosis.

Forward head posture is clinically quantified by measuring the horizontal distance the ear (tragus) is positioned relative to which landmark?

Answer: Anterior to the acromion process

Forward head posture is measured as the horizontal distance the tragus of the ear is located anterior to the acromion process.

Which postural deviation is most strongly associated with increased compressive stress on lumbar facet joints and elevated risk of low back pain?

Answer: Anterior pelvic tilt with hyperlordosis

Anterior pelvic tilt with hyperlordosis increases compressive forces on lumbar facet joints and posterior disc structures, significantly raising low back pain risk.

A scoliometer trunk rotation reading of approximately 7 degrees on Adam's forward bend test typically correlates with a Cobb angle of:

Answer: 20 degrees

Research indicates a scoliometer reading of approximately 7 degrees of trunk rotation correlates with a Cobb angle of about 20 degrees, the common threshold for specialist referral.

Which type of scoliosis is most prevalent, accounting for approximately 80% of all diagnosed cases?

Answer: Idiopathic scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis, which has no identified underlying cause, accounts for roughly 80% of all scoliosis cases, with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis being the most common subtype.