Cervical Spine Orthopedics I Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Whiplash associated disorder (WAD) is commonly described as which cervical condition?
• Foraminal stenosis causes radicular symptoms by compressing which structure?
• Which area is most commonly aggravated in facet syndrome?
• Which radiographic feature is commonly seen in cervical spondylosis on plain X-ray?
• Laminoplasty is favored over laminectomy for multilevel cervical stenosis when preserving posterior elements and reducing risk of postoperative kyphosis is desirable, such as in rheumatoid arthritis or good bone quality. Which scenario best describes this?
• What is the most significant contributor to disc injuries in the cervical spine?
• What are key clinical features of cervical spondylotic myelopathy?
• In cervical spine imaging for trauma, when is MRI typically indicated?
• In adults, an ADI greater than 3 mm is considered abnormal. True or False?
• How many x-ray views are included in the Davis series for neck and spinal trauma?
• What is the purpose of dynamic flexion/extension radiographs in cervical spine assessment?
• How might pseudarthrosis present clinically after cervical fusion?
• In cervical spondylosis, degenerative changes involve which cervical structures?
• Which imaging modalities can reveal transverse ligament disruption suggesting atlantoaxial instability?
• What is the standard surgical approach for multilevel cervical discectomy and fusion?
• What does the Pavlov ratio compare, and what threshold suggests canal stenosis?
• Describe a Hangman fracture and its typical mechanism.
• What clinical sign indicates relief of radiculopathy when the patient places the hand on the head?
• Are there neurological signs with facet syndrome?
• Which hypertrophic change can contribute to degenerative cervical stenosis?
• In odontoid fractures, what characterizes a Type II fracture and its prognosis?
• What is the typical orientation of the cervical facet joints, and what motion does this orientation favor?
• What is the key difference between discectomy and foraminotomy?
• Which description best defines the Spurling maneuver and a positive result?
• Which statement correctly pairs C5 motor with its muscle?
• Which combination of changes is most commonly seen as a secondary result of cervical spondylosis?
• Laminoplasty is particularly considered in multilevel cervical stenosis for patients with which condition?
• Irritation and/or degeneration of one or more facet joints manifesting as axial neck pain is best described as which condition?
• What is the typical nonoperative management for acute whiplash injuries?
• Which option lists signs typical of posterior cord compression in myelopathy?
• Which imaging modality is best for evaluating bony injuries in acute cervical trauma?
• Which of the following findings is commonly associated with cervical spondylosis?
• LOVE corresponds to which stage of whiplash management?
• Which patient factor is most strongly associated with nonunion after cervical fusion?
• Which statement is NOT typical for cervical radiculopathy?
• Dizziness and unsteadiness with which movement can suggest VBAI?
• Which is a common early postoperative complication after anterior cervical surgery?
• Which postoperative strategy helps monitor and mitigate adjacent segment changes after cervical fusion?
• C2/C3 facet syndrome refers to which region?
• Which initial management is preferred for symptomatic cervical disc herniation at C5-6 with radiculopathy but no myelopathy?
• Which option lists signs typical of anterior cord compression?
• What cervical curvature is quantified by the C2–C7 Cobb angle?
• Which statement about adjacent segment disease (ASD) after ACDF is true?
• Which factors are commonly considered when choosing postoperative immobilization duration after cervical fusion?
• Why must cervical manipulations be approached with caution in clinical practice?
• What imaging and clinical clues suggest a cervical spine tumor or metastasis?
• Hangman fracture classically involves fracture of which part of the axis?
• What radiographic measurement is used to screen for cervical canal stenosis on plain radiographs, and what threshold suggests stenosis?
• What materials are commonly used for interbody cages in ACDF?
• Which mnemonic is used to recall imaging findings characteristic of cervical spondylosis?
• Which initial maneuver among the four is used to relieve nerve root compression in suspected cervical radiculopathy?
• Which imaging modality is best for assessing soft tissue in the cervical region?
• If esophageal compression is suspected due to cervical spine pathology, which imaging test is indicated?
• In acute cervical trauma, what is the primary purpose of MRI?
• In the mnemonic LEO, which feature corresponds to the letter L?
• What is the clinical significance of a positive Babinski sign in cervical pathology?
• Which imaging modality is most effective for evaluating bony overgrowth in cervical osteoarthritis that contributes to stenosis?
• What imaging or finding confirms atlantoaxial instability?
• Progressive ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine is known as:
• Eburnation on imaging is equivalent to which degenerative change?
• What is the quality of pain seen with radicular symptoms?
• In cervical trauma, which combination of findings indicates the need for surgical stabilization?
• C3/C4 facet syndrome refers to which region?
• How does cervical osteoarthritis contribute to stenosis, and what imaging findings support this?
• Which cervical levels are most commonly affected by spondylosis?
• Which of the following is NOT a feature included in the mnemonic LEO for spondylosis imaging?
• What posterior technique is commonly used for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and what is its goal?
• Explain the Sharp-Purser test and what a positive result indicates.
• A Jefferson fracture involves fracture of which structure and by what mechanism?
• Which secondary changes may occur as a result of joint stresses in cervical spondylosis?
• For a Type II odontoid fracture, why is surgical stabilization often considered?
• Which imaging modality is most sensitive for soft tissue and neural structures in the cervical spine?
• Cervical spondylosis is caused by degenerative changes in which structures?
• Which finding is a sign of cervical myelopathy on exam?
• C5-C6 facet syndrome refers to which region?
• What is the typical range of normal cervical lordosis in the sagittal plane?
• How do Type II and Type III odontoid fractures differ in prognosis and treatment strategy?
• What is the role of the transverse ligament in C1-C2 stability, and what test assesses its integrity?
• Which of the following is not listed as a test in the cervical myelopathy prediction rule?
• Which of the following lists the complete clinical manifestations of VBAI?
• Which of the following best describes signs of posterior cord compression in myelopathy?
• Which option lists a VBAI manifestation related to eye movement?
• Which imaging modality provides the most comprehensive view for both degenerative changes and soft tissue structures in the cervical spine?
• Which MRI finding increases urgency for decompression in myelopathy?
• What is the primary factor guiding the choice between an anterior versus a posterior surgical approach for cervical spine pathology?
• Which fracture is associated with a flexion-distraction mechanism and results in an avulsion fragment from the anteroinferior corner of a cervical vertebral body?
• Dysphagia in cervical spondylosis may occur due to which mechanism?
• Which of the following best describes signs of anterior cord compression in myelopathy?
• In clinical assessment, what term describes what the patient reports feeling?
• What is the specific term for nonunion at a fusion site in cervical spine surgery?
• Which statement about laminoplasty and laminectomy is true?
• Which structure wraps around the dens and prevents anterior translation of C1 on C2?
• C6 dermatomes include which distributions?
• Which dens fracture type is rare and stable?
• Which imaging modality is preferred to assess the extent of degenerative changes in the cervical spine?
• Odontoid fracture Type II is most likely unstable.
• What MRI finding is most specific for cervical spondylotic myelopathy?
• Describe a Jefferson fracture and its mechanism.
• Which imaging modality is most sensitive for detecting cervical cord pathology and myelopathy?
• Which structures does the open-mouth radiograph view best assess and visualize?
• Degenerative cervical radiculopathy most often affects which level?
• What is the atlanto-dental interval (ADI) and what value is abnormal in adults?
• Which finding is typically absent in facet syndrome?
• Which structure is primarily involved in facet syndrome?
• Which of the following is a red flag symptom warranting urgent imaging in neck pain?
• Eburnation on imaging is equivalent to which radiographic finding?
• C6/C7 facet syndrome refers pain to which region?
• Which statement correctly describes the Davis series imaging views?
• Which imaging findings best support cervical osteoarthritis as a cause of stenosis?
• Which odontoid fracture type has the highest risk for nonunion?
• Which orthopedic test is typically provocative for facet syndrome?
• Which red flag in neck pain raises suspicion for cancer or infection?
• C4/C5 facet syndrome refers to which region?
• Which movement pattern best describes the cervical facet joints orientation?
• What is the primary component and initial symptom in spondylosis with myelopathy?
• Which statement is true about the described signs?
• Why is restoring cervical lordosis during fusion surgery important?
• What is the most common level for cervical disc herniation causing radiculopathy?
• Where do osteophytes most commonly form in cervical spondylosis that can compress the esophagus leading to dysphagia?
• Which set of tests is recommended initially for a patient with neck pain and radicular symptoms to support a diagnosis of spondylosis with radiculopathy?
• Which exam sign is commonly associated with cervical myelopathy and may indicate upper motor neuron involvement?
• What is the first-line nonoperative management for cervical radiculopathy due to degenerative disease?
• C5-C6 facet syndrome refers to which region?
• Which joint is most associated with facet syndrome?
• Which statement accurately defines ACDF?
• Describe a grade III sprain/strain.
• What is the mnemonic used for VBAI?
• What is the typical purpose of a rigid cervical collar after surgery or after an acute injury?
• What is the most common site for degenerative foraminal stenosis in the cervical spine?
• What does a positive Hoffmann sign indicate?
• What is foraminal stenosis in the cervical spine, and which levels are commonly affected?
• In cervical trauma, translational instability on imaging indicates the need for surgical stabilization. Which finding best represents translational instability?
• The teardrop fracture is caused by which mechanism?
• Which is Lhermitte's sign and what does a positive sign indicate?
• What mechanism commonly causes a burst fracture of the cervical spine?
• Which statement correctly differentiates PEACE and LOVE in cervical whiplash management?
• In suspected cervical radiculopathy, which sequence of neurologic examination components is most reliable?
• Which posterior procedure is used for multilevel disease or posterior compression and instability?
• On dynamic flexion-extension imaging, what findings indicate cervical instability?
• For evaluating both cord compression and degenerative changes in a single study, which modality is preferred?
• What does the distraction test assess, and what does relief of radicular pain imply?
• Which sign is commonly used to indicate upper motor neuron dysfunction in the cervical spine?
• C7 dermatomes correspond to which digit?
• In sclerotogenous facet pain, which structures are involved?
• According to the Denis three-column theory, instability is most likely when injuries involve two or more columns.
• Odontoid Type II fractures when surgery is not urgent are often immobilized with:
• The pain distribution pattern in facet syndrome is termed what?
• Which statement correctly pairs C6 motor with the corresponding muscle?
• In cervical spondylotic myelopathy, anterior discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is preferred over posterior fusion when:
• Facet syndrome pain is typically provoked by which movement pattern?
• What is adjacent segment disease in the context of cervical fusion?
• Which modality pairing is often complementary in suspected cervical spine injury?
• ACDF is described as what procedure and what is its typical indication?
• What symptoms typify cervical radiculopathy?
• What is the initial change seen in cervical spondylosis?
• Describe a grade II sprain/strain.
• C2/C3 facet syndrome refers to which region?
• The primary aim of laminoplasty in multilevel stenosis is to:
• Which anatomical structure forms the fixed pivot for cervical rotation?
• Which nerve root is most commonly affected in cervical radiculopathy, and which adjacent levels are also frequently involved?
• Which radiographic measure specifically assesses cervical sagittal balance by evaluating the offset of the head relative to the C2 vertebra?
• What are two common complications of ACDF?
• Which finding is typical of a grade II sprain/strain but not a grade I?
• What is the typical quality of pain described in cervical spondylosis?
• Which pediatric cervical spine anomaly should you consider with limited neck motion and a short neck?
• Which imaging modality is used to check for cord or nerve root compression?
• The Davis series comprises seven x-ray views to evaluate injuries to which region?
• The quality of pain in facet syndrome is typically described as which?
• Why is MRI preferred when cervical myelopathy with radiculopathy is suspected?
• Which statement correctly differentiates facet syndrome from cervical radiculopathy?
• Which surgical approach is favored for ventral compressive pathology with radiculopathy?
• Which imaging modality is least useful for evaluating cord compression or nerve root compression?
• How does laminoplasty differ from laminectomy in multilevel cervical stenosis?
• Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) most specifically affects which region of the spine in this context?
• Which imaging modality is best for assessing soft tissue structures and the spinal cord after cervical trauma?
• Describe a grade I sprain/strain.
• Which ligament prevents cervical flexion and provides anterior stability along the vertebral bodies?
• Which option is NOT a VBAI manifestation?
• What is necessary to perform with all whiplash injuries?
• Foraminal stenosis is defined as which of the following and what symptoms does it cause?
• What is pseudarthrosis in the context of cervical fusion?
• Which grade describes a complete tear with full laxity and no endpoint?
• Which procedure decompresses the exiting nerve root in foraminal stenosis without directly addressing the disc?
• Radiculopathy presents how, typically?
• Which clinical scenario most often prompts evaluation for pseudarthrosis after cervical fusion?
• Which grade of cervical sprain/strain has an endpoint during laxity testing?
• Which structures contribute most to anterior column compromise in degenerative cervical stenosis?
• C6/C7 facet syndrome refers pain to which region?
• Nondisplaced Jefferson fracture typically managed by:
• Which statement correctly matches C5 motor and C5 dermatomes?
• Which of the following represents key postoperative considerations after cervical fusion to optimize fusion and reduce complications?
• What does T2 hyperintensity within the cervical cord on MRI usually represent in the context of myelopathy?
• In rheumatoid arthritis, what instability is of greatest concern in the cervical spine?
• How does rheumatoid arthritis affect the cervical spine and what is a dangerous complication?
• X-ray is the preferred imaging method for which scenario?
• Which orthopedic test provokes pain in cervical spondylosis?
• Myelopathy presents how, typically?
• Which odontoid fracture type is more stable and often treated with immobilization?
• C8 dermatomes correspond to which region?
• What is a potential complication of posterior cervical fusion?
• Which odontoid fracture type is classically considered more stable and commonly managed nonoperatively?
• Sclerotogenous pain originates from which tissue type?
• Which radiographic view specifically visualizes the odontoid process?
• In facet syndrome, which movement can provoke pain on the opposite side?
• For cervical spine evaluation, in which scenario is CT typically preferred over MRI?
• In myelopathy, gait disturbances are most commonly due to compression of which portion of the spinal cord?
• VBAI stands for which of the following?
• C3/C4 facet syndrome refers to which region?
• What imaging strategy is used to assess cervical spine stability in trauma?
• Which of the following best describes signs when there are overlapping areas of the spinal cord involvement?
• PEACE corresponds to which stage of whiplash management?
• Which MRI finding is most predictive of severe myelopathy and the need for decompression?
• What is a Teardrop fracture of the cervical spine, and why is it clinically important?
• When is laminoplasty favored over laminectomy for multilevel cervical stenosis?
• Which imaging modality directly visualizes edema or myelomalacia in suspected cervical myelopathy with radiculopathy?
• In the mnemonic LEO, which feature corresponds to the letter O?
• What radiographic view is best for visualizing the odontoid process and C1–C2 alignment?
• What is the Lhermitte phenomenon, and what does it suggest?
• Which procedure specifically aims to remove herniated disc material?
• What is the screening procedure used for VBAI?
• What is the role of cervical traction in radiculopathy management?
• After cervical fusion, what is the biomechanical consequence on adjacent levels?
• What are common infectious etiologies affecting the cervical spine, and how do they typically present?
• Odontoid Type II fractures are often managed nonoperatively with halo immobilization when surgery is not urgent. Which statement is true?
• Which cervical level is most commonly affected by degenerative cervical radiculopathy?
• Which cervical fracture is defined by fracture of the pars interarticularis in the region of C2?
• Which cervical fracture is an avulsion fracture of the anteroinferior corner of a vertebral body often associated with instability?
• In evaluating a suspected cervical spine tumor, which imaging modality provides best soft tissue contrast and assessment of intracranial extension?
• The open-mouth radiographic view primarily assesses alignment between which structures?
• Which odontoid fracture type extends into the C2 body?
• How is a Teardrop fracture classified in terms of stability and management?
• In the mnemonic LEO, which feature corresponds to the letter E?
• What constitutes a cervical facet dislocation, and what is its management priority?
• Which scenario most strongly favors a posterior approach over an anterior approach for cervical spine pathology?
• Which measure quantifies cervical lordosis?