Thoracolumbar

Section 1 Functional Anatomy of the Thoracolumbar Region

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to…
• Describe the functional regions within the trunk
• Readily identify palpable boney landmarks within the thoracolumbar region of horses
• List the individual articulations present on a thoracic versus a caudal lumbar vertebra
• Describe the fascial layers overlying the dorsal thoracolumbar region
• Discuss the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the thoracolumbar region
• Describe the typical innervation pattern of the thoracolumbar spinal nerves

Clips
• Introduction
• Thoracolumbar vertebrae
• Thoracolumbar ligaments and fascia
• Thoracolumbar musculature
• Thoracolumbar innervation

Section 2 Spinal Biomechanics of the Thoracolumbar Region

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to…
• Discuss biomechanical factors that contribute to asymmetry of the dorsal scapular region
• Describe the functional differences between the cranial and caudal portions of the rib cage
• Explain how vertebral morphology contributes to differences in spinal mobility within the thoracolumbar region
• Describe the passive tissues that contribute to vertebral segment stability
• Discuss the concept of paired muscle function and provide examples
• Identify the primary difference in core stability requirements in quadrupeds versus bipeds
• Describe the various approaches for measuring segmental and regional thoracolumbar kinematics
• List the muscles responsible flexion and extension of the trunk
• Discuss the biomechanical effects of ridden versus unridden exercise in horses

Clips
• Introduction
• Rib cage biomechanics
• Thoracolumbar biomechanics
• Abdominal muscle biomechanics
• Thoracolumbar vertebral biomechanics
• Horse-rider biomechanics

Section 3 Spinal Pathology within the Thoracolumbar Region

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to…
• Describe the clinical relevance of soft tissue, neurologic, and osseous pathology within the thoracolumbar region
• Explain potential causes of back pain in horses and their reported prevalence
• Identify skin lesions that may contribute to thoracolumbar pain and dysfunction
• Describe the ultrasonographic characteristics of supraspinous and interspinous ligament desmitis
• Discuss the clinical effects of neurologic lesions within the thoracolumbar region
• List the different types of osseous thoracolumbar lesions identified in horses

Clips
• Introduction
• Skin disorders
• Soft tissue injuries
• Neurologic disorders
• Osseous pathology

Section 4 Spinal Evaluation of the Thoracolumbar Region

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to…
• Describe the general skills needed to evaluate back pain and dysfunction
• Discuss and differentiate the clinical significance of soft tissue, osseous, and neurologic disorders within the thoracolumbar region of horses
• Describe the clinical features observed in horses with thoracolumbar stiffness
• Discuss the interrelationship between back pain and hind limb lameness
• Describe the clinical relevance and differences between active and passive joint motion
• Discuss the indications and utility of diagnostic imaging modalities used within the thoracolumbar region

Clips
• Introduction
• Static and dynamic observation: Thoracolumbar region
• Soft tissue palpation: Thoracolumbar region
• Bony palpation: Thoracolumbar region
• Joint mobilization: Thoracolumbar region
• Neurologic status and Diagnostic imaging: Thoracolumbar region

Section 5 Treatment Options for Thoracolumbar Pain and Dysfunction

Upon completion of this course content, the student will be able to…
• Describe conservative approaches for managing back pain and dysfunction in horses
• Identify primary rehabilitation issues and provide treatment options based on the specific needs of an individual horse
• Discuss proposed mechanisms of action of various therapies
• Describe rehabilitation techniques for addressing specific clinical issues related to the thoracolumbar region
• Discuss the different treatment approaches for managing acute versus chronic back pain
• Describe the role of poor core stability in thoracolumbar dysfunction

Clips
• Introduction
• Thoracolumbar treatment options: Literature review
• Acute back pain
• Chronic back pain
• Medical options
• Surgical options
• Thoracolumbar dysfunction