What is the most common area for kissing spines?

What is the most common area for kissing spines?

• A. T1-T4
• B. C1-C4
• C. T12-T17
• D. L2-L5

Answer: (C)

Kissing spines tend to occur where the dorsal spinous processes are most prone to contact during back movement, and in horses that region is the mid-to-caudal thoracic spine. The dorsal processes here are relatively long and sit close together, so repeated extension and loading during work bring adjacent processes into contact. Over time this contact leads to local inflammation, sclerosis, and degenerative changes, producing the characteristic back pain and sensitivity that define kissing spines. While other parts of the spine can be involved, the mid-to-lower thoracic area is by far the most commonly affected, making it the typical site you would investigate first.

Kissing spines tend to occur where the dorsal spinous processes are most prone to contact during back movement, and in horses that region is the mid-to-caudal thoracic spine. The dorsal processes here are relatively long and sit close together, so repeated extension and loading during work bring adjacent processes into contact. Over time this contact leads to local inflammation, sclerosis, and degenerative changes, producing the characteristic back pain and sensitivity that define kissing spines. While other parts of the spine can be involved, the mid-to-lower thoracic area is by far the most commonly affected, making it the typical site you would investigate first.