What is a Vertebra?

Architectural Anatomy of Vertebrae

The vertebral column comprises 33 segmented irregular bones. Each typical vertebra consists of an anterior cylindrical vertebral body that supports vertical compressive axial load, and a posterior neural arch composed of pedicles, laminae, and articular processes that shield the delicate spinal cord.

Regional Spine Divisions

The spine divides into 7 cervical (neck mobility), 12 thoracic (rib cage anchoring), 5 lumbar (weight-bearing lordosis), 5 fused sacral, and 4 fused coccygeal vertebrae.

Common Vertebral Pathologies

• Vertebral compression fractures (osteoporotic wedge collapsing)
• Spondylolisthesis (anterior translational slippage of one vertebral body over another)
• Facet joint arthrosis (osteoarthritis of posterior spinal articulations)
• Intervertebral disc herniation compressing exiting spinal nerve roots

Frequently Asked Questions

What is balloon kyphoplasty for vertebral fractures?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive percutaneous procedure where an inflated balloon restores collapsed vertebral height, followed by PMMA bone cement polymethylmethacrylate injection for instant stabilization.

How is spinal instability detected?

Dynamic flexion-extension radiographs and weight-bearing spinal MRI identify sagittal displacement and facet translation.