Glossary
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
A
ABDOMINAL MUSCLES - Important for support of the spine, these muscles are the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus.
ABDUCTION - Movement away from midline of body in frontal plane; applied to hip, shoulder, fingers, thumb, and foot.
ABRASION - Any superficial scraping of skin tissue or mucous membrane mechanically or through injury.
ABSCESS - Localized collection of pus in a cavity which may form in any tissue.
ACHONDROPLASTIC STENOSIS - Increased vertebral thickness, marked concavity of the vertebral body, and shortened pedicles.
ACUTE - Severe, for a short time.
ADOLESCENT SCOLIOSIS - Lateral curvature of the spine occurring during adolescence.
ADULT SCOLIOSIS - Scoliosis occuring after skeletal maturity.
ALLOGRAFT BONE - Sterile bone derived from another human which is used for grafting procedures.
ANALGESIA - Loss of sensibility to pain, loss of response to a painful stimulus.
ANASTOMOSIS - A communication, direct or indirect: A joining together. In the nervous system a jointing of nerves or blood vessels.
ANESTHESIOLOGIST - Physician who administers pain-killing medications during surgery.
ANESTHESIA - Loss of sensation of a body part; or of the body when induced by the administration of a drug.
ANISOSPONDYLY - Different abnormal shapes of the vertebral bodies.
ANKYLOSING SPINAL HYPEROSTOSIS - Arthritic disorder in which bridgingosteophytes located anteriorly and posteriorly on the vertebral body bind two or more vertebrae together; Forestier disease.
ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS - stiffening or fixation of the vertebra; an inflammatory joint disease mainly affecting the spine hips, and pelvis.
ANNULUS FIBROSUS - The outer, fibrous, ring-like portion of an intervertebral disc.
ANTERIOR - Front of the body or situated nearer the front of the body.
ANTERIOR APPROACH - When used to approach the cervical, cervicodorsal, dorsal, and lumbar spines, it is designed to provide sufficient surface for multiple segmental spinal fusions; Hodgson, Roaf. For specific cervical spinal explorations and fusions; Southwick and Robinson, Bailey and Badgley, Whitesides and kelly, Henry (to vertebral artery).
ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY - an operation where the cervical spine is reached through a small incision in the front of your neck. After the soft tissues of the neck are separated, the intervertebral disc and bone spurs are removed.
ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY WITH FUSION - an operation performed on the upper spine to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots, or on the spinal cord. The term is derived from the words anterior (front), cervical (neck), and fusion (joining the vertebrae with a bone graft).
ANTERIOR DISPLACEMENT - Forward movement of the superior segment on the inferior one.
ANTERIOR LUMBAR INTERBODY FUSION (ALIF) - operation where the lumbar spine is approached through an incision in the abdomen. A portion of the affected disc space is removed from the spine and replaced with an implant.
ANTERIOR SPINAL FUSION - Approaching the spine from the front, the intervertable disc and/or vertebral body is removed and bone graft is inserted. Some variations of this procedure include the Smith-Robinson, Cloward and dowel procedures.
ANTERIOR SPURRING - Ligament turning to bone on anterior side of vertebral body.
ANTEROLATERAL - Situated or occurring in front of and to the side.
ANEROLATERAL APPROACH - An approach to the dorsal spine by rib resection to explore the spine anteriorly and in some cases to do spinal fusions and decompressions spinal cord.
AO FIXATEUR INTERNE - A posteriorly placed spinal fixation device.
ARACHNOID - Middle layer of membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
ARACHNOIDITIS - Inflammation of the arachnoid membrane, most commonly seen within the spinal cord around the spinal cord and cauda equina.
ARNOLD-CHIARI MALFORMATION - A condition in which there is displacement of the medulla and cerebellum into the opening in the basilar part of the occipital bone. It is one of the causes of hydrocephalus and is usually accompanied by spina bifida and menigomyelocele.
ARTERIOGRAPHY - See angiography.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS - Thickening and calcification of the arterial wall with loss of elasticity and contractility.
ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATION - Collection of blood vessels with one or several abnormal communications between arteries and veins which may cause hemorrhage or seizures.
ARTERY of ADAMKIEWICZ - An important source of blood supply to the lower portion of the spine, usually occurring at T-9 to T-11 level; however, not the only blood supply to the cord at that level.
ARTHRALGIA - Joint pain.
ARTHRITIS - Inflammation of a joint usually characterized by swelling, pain and restriction of motion.
ARTHRODESIS - The fusion of bones across a joint space, thereby limiting or eliminating movement. It may occur spontaneously or as a result of a surgical procedure, such as fusion of the spine.
ARTHROPATHY - Any disease or disorder involving a joint.
ARTHROPLASTY - The surgical remodeling of a diseased or damaged joint.
ARTHROSCOPE - An instrument inserted into it's joint cavity to view the interior of a joint and correct certain abnormalities. An arthroscope is an endoscope for use in a joint.
ARTHROSCOPY - The procedure of visualizing the inside of a joint by means of an arthroscope.
ARTICULAR - Pertaining to a joint.
ATAXIA - A loss of muscular coordination, abnormal clumsiness.
ATHETOSIS - A condition in which there is a succession of slow, writhing, involuntary movements of the fingers and hands, and sometimes of the toes and feet.
ATLANTO-AXIAL -Pertaining to the atlas and the axis; denoting the joint between the first two cervical vertebrae.
ATLANTO-OCCIPITAL - Relating to the atlas and the occipital bone.
ATLANTO-ODONTOID - Relating to the atlas and the dens of the axis.
ATLAS - First cervical vertebrae, articulating with the occipital bone and rotating around the dens of the axis.
ATROPHY - A wasting of the tissues of a body part.
AUTOGENOUS BONE - Bone originating from the same individual; i.e., an individual's own bone.
AUTOGRAFT BONE - Bone transplanted from one part to another part of the body in the same individual.
AUTOLOGUS - a graft in which the donor and recipient area are in the same individual.
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - Involuntary nervous system, also termed the vegetative nervous system. A system of nerve cells whose activities are beyond voluntary control.
AVASCULAR - Non-vascular, not provided with blood vessels.
AVM (ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATION) - Deformity, abnormal shape or structure relating to veins and arteries.
AXIS - The vertebral column. The second cervical vertebra, about which the first cervical vertebra rotates, allowing head movement.
AXON - The part of a nerve cell that usually sends signals to other nerves or structures.
B
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
BAASTRUP d. (kissing spine) - False joint formed by wide posterior spinous processes of the lumbar spine. This may become a source of pain.
BACKBONE - See Spine.
BACK PAIN - nonspecific term used to describe pain below the cervical spine
BACTERICIDAL - Causing the death of bacteria.
BACTERIOSTATIC - Inhibiting or retarding the growth of bacteria.
BENIGN - Not cancerous; does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
BIOABSORBABLE POLYMER - A substance, such as some plastics, which the human body can break down and absorb.
BIOCOMPATIBILITY - A characteristic of some materials that when they are inserted into the body do not produce a significant rejection or immune response.
BIODEGRADATION - The breakdown of organic materials into simple chemicals commonly found in the body.
BIOPSY - Removal of a small portion of tissue, usually for the purpose of making a diagnosis.
BLOOD-BRAIN-BARRIER - The barrier which exists between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid which prevents the passage of various substances from the bloodstream to the brain.
BMP-LIKE PRODUCTS - proteins that enhance mineralization, which can increase bone formation.
BONE - The hard tissue that provides structural support to the body. It is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite crystals and collagen. Individual bones may be classed as long, short, or flat.
BONE DERIVATIVE - One of the substances extracted from bone, such as bone morphogenic proteins (BMP).
BONE GRAFT - Bone which is harvested from one location in an individual and placed in another individual (allograft bone) or in a different location in the same individual (autogenous bone).
BONE HARVESTING - the removal of bone for transplantation to another site. The most common sources are the iliac crests because these bones contain a large amount of cancellous bone, the inner spongy part, which is useful for getting grafts to "take."
BONE MARROW - The tissue contained within the internal cavities of the bones. A major function of this tissue is to produce red blood cells.
BONE MORPHOGENETIC PROTEIN-2 (BMP-2) - one of a family of BMPs- naturally occurring chemicals in the body- that play a major role in bone growth. BMP-like products: proteins that enhance mineralization, which can increase bone formation.
BONE PLATE - Usually a relatively thin metal device which is affixed to bone via screws. Bone plates are used to immobilize bones or bone fragments such that healing can occur.
BONE SCREW - A threaded metal device which is inserted into bone. The functions of bone screws are to immobilize bones or bone fragments or to affix other medical devices, such as metal bone plates, to bones.
BOVINE BONE EXTRACT - a BMP derived from the bones of bovines.
BRACHIAL - Relating to the Arm.
BRADYCARDIA - Slowness of the heart rate.
BRADYKINESIA - Slowness in movement.
BROOKS and JENKINS - Loops of wire around lamina of C-1 and C-2 to hold bone graft between lamina.
BROWN-SEQUARD'S SYNDROME - Loss of sensation of touch, position sense, and movement on the side of a spinal cord lesion, with loss of pain sensation on the other side. Caused by a lesion limited to one side of spinal cord.
C
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
CADAVER - A term generally applied to a dead human body preserved for anatomical study.
CADAVERIC - a tissue or organ transplanted from a cadaver (deceased donor)
CAMPTOCORMIA - Severe forward flexion of upper torso, usually an excessive psychologic reaction to back pain.
CANCELLOUS BONE - The spongy or honeycomb structure of some bone tissue typically found at the ends of long bones.
CARCINOMA - Cancer, a malignant growth of epithelial or gland cells.
CAROTID ARTERY - Large artery on either side of the neck which supplies blood to most of the cerebral hemisphere. Main artery to the head that divides into external and internal carotid arteries.
CAROTID SINUS - Slight dilatation on the common carotid artery at its bifurcation containing nerve cells sensitive to blood pressure. Stimulation can cause slowing of the heart, vasodilatation and a fall in blood pressure.
CAROTID TUBERCLE - Prominence of the transverse process of C-6 felt on the lateral side of the neck.
CARPAL TUNNEL - Space under a ligament in wrist through which the median nerve enters the palm of the hand.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME - A condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, characterized especially by discomfort and disturbances of sensation in the hand.
CARRIER - a material or device used to deliver a therapy to a site in or on the body.
CARTILAGE - The hard, thin layer of white glossy tissue that covers the end of bone at a joint. This tissue allows motion to take place with a minimum amount of friction.
CARTILAGE SPACE NARROWING - Narrowing of any cartilage space; also called disc space narrowing.
CATHETER - A small tube used to inject a dye to see the blood vessels, similar to that used for looking at vessels in the heart.
CAUDA EQUINA - The bundle of spinal nerve roots arising from the end of the spinal cord and filling the lower part of the spinal canal(from approximately the thoraco-lumbar junction down).
CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME - Sufficient pressure on the nerves in the low back to produce multiple nerve root irritation and commonly loss of bowel and bladder control.
CAUDATE NUCLEUS - Part of the basal ganglia which are brain cells that lie deep in the brain.
CADAVERIC - a tissue or organ transplanted from a cadaver (deceased donor).
CARRIER - a material or device used to deliver a therapy to a site in or on the body.
CENTRAL CORD SYNDROME - Most common of the incomplete traumatic spinal cord syndromes characterized by motor impairment that is proportionately greater in the upper limbs than in the lower, with bladder dysfunction and a variable degree of sensory loss below the level of the cord lesion.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM - Part of the nervous system which consists of the brain and spinal cord, to which sensory impulses are transmitted and from which motor impulses pass out, and which supervises and coordinates the activity of the entire nervous system.
CENTRUM - The body of a vertebra.
CEREBELLUM - The lower part of the brain which is beneath the posterior portion of the cerebrum and regulates unconscious coordination of movement.
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF) - Water-like fluid produced in the brain that circulates around and protects the brain and spinal cord. Shrinking or expanding of the cranial contents is usually quickly balanced by increase or decrease of this fluid.
CEREBRAL - Relating to the brain or intellect.
CEREBRALl CORTEX - Surface layer of gray matter of the cerebrum that functions chiefly in coordination of higher nervous activity; called also pallium.
CEREBRAL PALSY - Disability resulting from damage to the brain before or during birth and outwardly manifested by muscular incoordination and speech disturbances.
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID - Water-like fluid produced in the brain that circulates and protects the brain and spinal cord, known as CSF.
CEREBRUM - The principal portion of the brain, which occupies the major portion of the interior of the skull and controls conscious movement, sensation and thought.
CERVICAL - Of or relating to the neck.
CERVICAL PLEXUS - Plexus of nerves that supply the neck muscles with branches named by muscles supplied, a portion which is called the ansa cervicalis.
CERVICAL RIB - Riblike structure in the seventh cervical vertebra that may cause nerve root irritation.
CERVICAL SPINAL FUSION - Spinal fusion involving the seven cervical segments. This may include the base of the skull, the occiput, and the first thoracic spine.
CHEMONUCLEOLYSIS - A treatment of an intervertebral disc that consists of an injection of chymopapain, a drug that dissolves part of the disc.
CLINICAL STUDIES - A process of strictly controlled evaluations involving patients. Some of these studies are required by the FDA prior to general release of a device or compound for use in humans.
COAGULATION - The process of clotting.
COBALT-CHROME - A term that is used in referring to cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, a mixture of metals used in many surgical implants.
COCCYALGIA - Pain in the coccyx region5 coccygodynia, coccyodynia, coccydynia.
COCCYGEAL - Remaining three or four, somewhat fixed, fused segments at the end of the spine (tailbone) that articulate with sacrum above.
COCCYGECTOMY - Excision of the coccyx (tailbone).
COCCYGOTOMY - Incision into the coccyx (tailbone).
COCCYX - The small bone at the end of the spinal column in man, formed by the fusion of four rudimentary vertebrae. The three, and sometimes four, segments of bone just below the sacrum; referred to as the tailbone.
COLLAGEN - A fibrous protein which is a major constituent of connective tissue. Such as skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones.
COLLAR - A band, usually denoting one encircling the neck.
COMA - A state of profound unconsciousness from which one cannot be roused.
COMBINED STENOSIS - For congenital or developmental reasons, the midsagittal diameter is decreased.
COMMINUTED FRACTURE - A fracture in which a bone is broken into more than two pieces. Often internal or external fixation devices are used to maintain proper alignment of the fragments.
COMMISSURAL MYELORRHAPY - A longitudinal division of the spinal cord to sever crossing fibers.
COMPENSATORY CURVE - A curve located above or below a rigid structural curve to maintain normal overall body alignment.
COMPRESSION - A squeezing together; the exertion of pressure on a body in such a way as to tend to increase its density; the decrease in a dimension of a body under the action of two external forces directed toward one another in the same straight line.
COMPRESSION of NERVE ROOT - Mechanical process resulting from a tumor, fracture, or herniated disc; the resulting irritation is called radiculitis if there is actual inflammation around the nerve. Pain from this type of disorder is called radicular pain.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN - A diagnostic imaging technique in which a computer reads x-rays to create a three-dimensional map of soft tissue or bone.
CONCUSSION - A disruption, usually temporary, of neurological function resulting from a blow or violent shaking.
CONGENITAL SCOLIOSIS - Scoliosis due to bony abnormalities present at birth involving either failure of formation of a vertebra or separation of adjacent vertebrae.
CONSTITUTIONAL STENOSIS - Normal-statured individuals with congenital variance in vertebral structure leading to a narrow canal.
CONTRACT - To shorten; to become reduced in size; in the case of muscle, either to shorten or to undergo an increase in tension.
CONTRAST MEDIUM - Any material (usually opaque to x-rays) employed to delineate or define a structure during a radiologic procedure.
CONTUSION - A bruise; an area in which blood that has leaked out of blood vessels is mixed with brain tissue.
CORDOTOMY - Transverse incision into the spinal cord.
CORPECTOMY - Excision of vertebral body usually combined with interpostion of prosthesis or bone graft.
CORPUS CALLOSUM - The greatest commissure of the brain between the cerebral hemispheres.
CORTICAL BONE - The dense bone that forms the outer surface of bone.
COSTO - Combining form denoting relation to ribs.
COSTOCHONDRAL JUNCTION - junction of the rib into cartilage in the anterior chest. NOTE: Most of the ribs have attachment to the cartilage rather than a direct junction with the breast bone.
COSTOVERTEBRAL ANGLE - Juncture of tissue inferior and lateral to the twelfth rib and vertebral body.
COSTOVERTEBRAL JOINT - Junction of the rib with the thoracic spine.
COTREL-DUBOUSSET - Posterior fixation device for spinal deformity, fracture, tumor, and degenerative conditions.
CRAMP - A painful muscle spasm caused by prolonged tetanic contraction.
CRANKSHAFT PHENOMENON - Progressions of a spinal curve due to continued growth of the unfused anterior aspect of the spine following a posterior spine fusion for scoliosis in children.
CRICOID RING - Cartilage ring above the trachea and below the thyroid cartilage, the first cricoid ring is at the level of C-6.
CSF - Cerebrospinal Fluid.
CSF SHUNT - A bypass or diversion of accumulations of cerebrospinal fluid to an absorbing or excreting system.
CT SCAN - (computed tomography scan): A diagnostic imaging technique in which a computer reads x-rays to create a three-dimensional map of soft tissue or bone.
D
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
DECOMPRESSION - In relation to the spine this procedure is carried out to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
DECOMPRESSIVE LAMINECTOMY - A decompression done by removing the lamina and spinous process.
DEGENERATIVE - The lesion results from intersegmental instability of long duration.
DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE - Gradual or rapid deterioration of the chemical composition and physical properties of the disc space.
DEGENERATIVE TENOSIS - Gradual hypertrophy of the vertebral body margin, facet joints, and ligamentum flavum leading to stenosis.
DE-MINERALIZED BONE - Bone tissue which has been depleted of its minerals; e.g., calcium and phosphorous.
DEMINERALIZED BONE MATRIX (DMB) - is a source of BMP and is derived from pulverized bone specimens that are demineralized with an acid solution. It is used as a bone grafting material, but DMB has produced disappointing results in clinical studies, probably due to low concentrations of BMP that can also vary from batch to batch.
DERMATOME - Refers to the distribution of sensory nerves near the skin that are responsible for pain, tingling, and other sensations (or lack of).
DIAPHRAGM - The muscle between the abdomen and thorax; main muscle of normal breathing.
DIASTEMATOMYELIA - Congenital defect associated with spina bifida in which the spinal cord is split in half by bony spicules or fibrous bands, each half being surrounded by a dural sac.
DISC - The intervertebral disc - cartilaginous cushion found between the vertebrae of the spinal column. It may bulge beyond the vertebral body and compress the nearby nerve root, causing pain. The terms "slipped disc", "ruptured disc" and "herniated disc" are often used interchangeably even though there are subtle differences.
DISC DEGENERATION - The loss of the structural and functional integrity of the disc.
DISCECTOMY - Surgical removal of part or all of an intervertebral disc material placing pressure on neural elements.
DISCITIS - Nonbacterial inflammation of an intervertebral disc or disc space.
DISC SPACE INFECTION - Infection in the space normally occupied by an intervertebral disc.
DISKOGRAM - The graphic record, usually radiographic, of diskography.
DISKOGRAPHY - Radiographic demonstration of intervertebral disc by injection of contrast media into the nucleus of the pulposus.
DISLOCATION - Displacement of an organ or any part; specifically disturbance or disarrangement of the normal relation of the bones entering the formation of a joint.
DISTAL - Situated away from the center of the body.
DOPPLER - A non-invasive study which uses sound waves to show the flow in a blood vessel and can be used to determine the degree of narrowing (percent stenosis) of the vessel. A wand is placed on the skin over the vessel to be imaged. This study has no risks and is not painful.
DORSAL COLUMN - The main, normal sensory tract to the brain.
DORSAL LATERAL COLUMN - The main tract of position and tone to the brain.
DORSOLATERAL - An approach to the dorsal spine by costotransversectomy, usually done for fractures and other affections of the spinal cord.
DOUBLE CURVE - Two lateral curves in a single spine; double major curve is two lateral curves of equal magnitude, and double thoracic curve is two thoracic curves.
DURA - Dura mater.
DURAL - Pertaining to the dura.
DURA MATER - A tough fibrous membrane which covers the brain and spinal cord, but is separated from them by a small space.
DYSESTHESIA - A condition in which a disagreeable sensation is produced by ordinary touch, temperature or movement.
DYSPLASTIC - Congenital abnormalities of the arch of the sacrum or the arch of L-5 that permit the slipping to occur.
DYSRAPHISM - Any failure of closure of the primary neural tube. This general category would include the disorder myelomeningocele.
DYSTONIA MUSCULORM DEFORMANS - An affliction occurring especially in children, marked by muscular contractions producing distortions of the spin and hips.
E
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
EDEMA - An excessive accumulation of fluid generally in extracellular.
EGGSHELL - Excavation of vertebral body for correction of deformity that is combined with spinal fusion.
ELECTROENCEPHALOPGRAHY (EEG) - The study of the electrical currents set up by brain actions; the record made is called an electroencephalogram.
ELECTROMYOGRAPHY (EMG) - A method of recording the electrical currents generated in a muscle during its contraction.
ENDOCRINE GLAND - A gland which furnishes an internal secretion, usually having an effect on another organ.
ENDOCRINOPATHY - Any disease due to abnormality of quantity or quality in one or more of the internal glandular secretions.
ENDOGENOUS - Arising within or derived from the body.
ENDOSCOPE - A medical device for viewing internal portions of the body. It is usually comprised of fiber optic tubes and video display instruments.
ENDOSCOPY - Inspection of internal body structures or cavities using an endoscope.
EPENDYMA - The membrane lining the cerebral ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord.
EPENDYMOMA - A growth in the brain or spinal cord arising from ependymal tissue. Tumor of the spinal cord.
EPIDURAL - Immediately outside the dura mater. Same as extradural.
EPIDURAL HEMATOMA - A blood clot between the dura mater and the inside of the skull.
EPILEPSY - Disorder characterized by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, causing abnormal sensation, movement or level of consciousness.
ESOPHAGUS - Portion of the gut between the mouth and in the anterior neck.
EXCISION - Removal by cutting away material.
EXTRADURAL - On the outer side of the dura mater.
EXOGENOUS - Originating outside of the body.
EXTENSION - The act of bringing the distal portion of a joint in continuity (though only parallel) with the long axis of the proximal portion.
EXTRUSION - Displaced material reaches the spinal canal through fibers of the annulus, but remains connected to the central dis material.
F
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
FACET - a flat, platelike surface that acts as part of a joint; as seen in the vertebrae of the spine and in the subtalar joint of the ankle. Each vertebra has two superior and two inferior facets.
FACET ARTHROPATHY - a degenerative disease affecting the facet joint.
FACECTOMY - Excision of an articular facet of a vertebra.
FACET TROPISM - Asymmetrical orientation of the facets comparing right to left side.
FAILURE of SEGMENTATION - Failure of a portion or all of two or more adjoining vertebrae to separate into normal units.
FATIGUE - That state, following a period of mental or bodily activity; characterized by a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency of accomplishment, usually accompained by a feeling of weariness, sleepiness, or irritability.
FATIGUE FRACTURE - A fracture that occurs in bone or in other materials. Including metal, as a result of repeated stress as opposed to a single injury.
FENESTRATION (of cyst) - Surgical creation of window-like opening.
FIBROSIS - The replacement of normal tissue with scar tissue.
FIBROMYOSITIS - Chronic inflammation of a muscle with an overgrowth, or hyperplasia, of the connective tissue.
FISSURE - A groove or natural division, deep furrow in the brain.
FLATTENING of NORMAL LUMBAR CURVE - Condition in which the hollow of the back becomes shallow or even stright.
FLEXION - The act of flexing or bending; bending of a joint so as to approximate the parts it connects.
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) - The Federal government agency that has regulatory authority over the manufacture, distribution, and labeling of drugs, medical devices, and foods.
FORAMEN - A natural opening or passage in bone. An opening allowing for the egress of spinal nerve roots from between two vertebrae.
FORAMINOTOMY - Surgical opening or enlargement of the bony opening traversed by a nerve root as it leaves the spinal canal. A procedure carried out alone or in conjunction with disc surgery.
FRACTURE - A disruption of the normal continuity of bone.
FRACTURE-DISLOCATION - Fracture of a bone that is also dislocated from its normal position in a joint.
FUNCTIONAL SCOLIOSIS - Any scoliosis that is caused by leg length or other functional disorder and not by a primary curvature of the spine.
FUNCTIONAL STEREOTACTIC NEUROSURGERY - Surgery intended to improve the function of the central nervous system. A stereotactic head frame is used along with imaging techniques to map the brain and localize the surgical target.
FUSION - Union or healing of bone (see Arthrodesis).
G
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
GALLIE - Wire around lamina of C-1 and spinous process of C-2.
GAMMA KNIFE - Equipment that precisely delivers a concentrated dose of radiation to a predetermined target using gamma rays.
GASSERION GANGLION - Mass of nervous tissue lying on the sensory root of the trigeminal nerve.
GILL - Removal of the posterior spinal arch in spondylolisthesis.
GLENOID - Resembling a socket; denoting the articular depression of the scapula entering the formation of the shoulder joint.
GLENOHUMERAL - Relating to the glenoid cavity and the humerus.
GLIA (Also termed neuroglia) - The major support cells of the brain. These cells are involved in the nutrition and maintenance of the nerve cells.
GRAFT - any free (unattached) tissue or organ for transplantation.
GRISEL SYNDROME - Subluxation of the atlantoaxial joint from inflammatory ligamentous laxity due to infection. Can result in neurologic complications.
H
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
HABIT - An act, behavioral response, practice, or custom established in one's repertoire by frequent repetition of the same act.
HALIFAX - Clamp across lamina of C-1 and C-2.
HARRINGTON ROD - An instrumentation and fusion using a straight, stiff rod for distraction or compression; associated with a posterior spinal fusion in the thoracic or thoracolumbar spine for scoliosis or trauma.
HEMANGIOMA - A benign tumor consisting of a mass of blood vessels.
HEMATOMYELIA - Effusion of blood (hemorrhage) into the substance of the spinal cord.
HEMATORRHACHIS - Spinal apoplexy; hemorrhage into vertebral canal.
HEMATOMA - A blood clot.
HEMILAMINECTOMY - The excision of only one side of the lamina (right or left) relative to other spinous process.
HEMIPLEGIA - Paralysis of one side of the body.
HEMORRHAGE - Bleeding due to the escape of blood from a blood vessel.
HEREDITARY - Transmissible from parent to offspring by information encoded in the parental germ cell.
HEREDITY - The transmission of characters from parent to offspring by information encoded in the parental germ cells. Genealogy.
HERNIATED INTERVERTBRAL DISC (HID) - Extrusion of part of the nucleus pulposus material through a defect in the annulus fibrosus. Otpouching of a disc.
HERNIATED NUCLEUS PULPOSUS (HNP) - Extrusion of the central portion of an intervertebral disc through the outer cartilaginous ring. The material can compress the spinal cord or nerves in or exiting the spinal canal.
HERNIATION - Formation of a protrusion.
HETEROTOPIC BONE FORMATION - The occurrence of bone growth in an abnormal location.
HOOK - For spinal applications, a metallic medical device used to connect spinal structures to a rod.
HORMONE - A chemical substance formed in one gland or part of the body and carried by the blood to another organ which it stimulates to functional activity.
HUMERUS - The bone of the arm, articulating with the scapula above and the radius and ulna below.
HYDROMYELIA - Expansion of the spinal cord due to increased size of the central canal of the cord which is filled with CSF.
HYDROXYAPATITE (HA) - The lattice-like structure of bone composed of calcium and phosphorous crystals which deposits on collagen to provide the rigid structure of bone.
HYOID BONE - Small, vertically oriented bones lateral to trachea, located at the level of C-3.
HYPER - Excessive, above normal.
HYPERESTHESIA - Excessive sensibility to touch, pain or other stimuli.
HYPEREXTENSION - Extension of a limb or part beyond the normal limit.
HYPERFLEXION - Flexion of a limb or part beyond the normal limit.
HYPERLORDOSIS - Increase in the normal anterior concavity of the cervical or lumbar spine.
HYPERTENSION - High blood pressure.
I
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS - Structural lateral curvature of an unknown cause.
ILIAC BONE - A part of the pelvic bone that is above the hip joint and from which autogenous bone grafts are frequently obtained.
ILIAC CREST - The large, prominent portion of the pelvic bone at the belt line of the body.
ILIOPSOAS MUSCLE - Large muscles starting at L-1 and becoming wider as it picks up segments from the lower lumbar spine; combines with the iliacus muscle before attaching to the lesser trochanter of the hip.
IMMOBILIZATION - Limitation of motion or fixation of a body part usually to promote healing.
INFANTILE SCOLIOSIS - Lateral curvature of the spine that begins before age 3.
INFRATENTORIAL - Beneath the tentorium.
INFUNDIBULUM - A stalk extending from the base of the brain to the pituitary gland.
INSTRUMENTATION - the use of instruments such as metal screws or braces during a surgical procedure to support bone as it heals.
INTERBODY - between the bodies of two adjacent vertebrae.
INTERCOSTALS - The muscles between the ribs.
INTERNAL FIXATION - The immobilization of bone fragments or joints with implants in order to promote healing or fusion.
INTERSPINOUS LIGAMENT - Ligament between each of the spinous processes.
INTERSPINOUS PSEUDARTHROSIS - Formation of a false joint between two spinous processes.
INTERVERTEBRAL DISC - See Disc (Intervertebral).
INTERVERTEBRAL DISC NARROWING - Narrowing of the space between any two vertebral bodies.
INTRACEREBELLAR - Within the cerebellum.
INTRAMEDULLARY - Refers to medullaris, marrow; (1) withing the medulla oblongata of the brain, (2) within the spinal cord, and (3) within the marrow cavity of bone.
INTRINSIC - Situated entirely within or pertaining exclusively to a part.
IN VITRO - Describing biological phenomena that are made to occur outside the living body traditionally in a test tube. In vitro is Latin for in glass.
IN VIVO - Within a living body. In vivo is Latin for in life.
INFERIOR - Situated below or directed downward.
INFORMED CONSENT - Consent of the patient who has received sufficient information to have surgery, receive medication, or participate in a clinical study.
INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB) - A committee designated by an institution, such as a hospital, to review and approve research projects; e.g., clinical studies in that institution.
INVESTIGATIONAL DEVICE EXEMPTION (IDE) - A FDA regulatory status which permits the human use of an unapproved medical device for the purposes of collecting clinical data under strictly controlled conditions.
ISCHEMIA - Inadequate circulation of blood generally due to a blockage of an artery.
ISOMETRIC - Of equal dimensions. In physiology, denoting the condition when the ends of a contracting muscle are held fixed so that contraction produces increased tension at a constant overall length.
ISOTONIC - Relating to isotonicity or isotonia. Having equal tension; denoting solutions possessing the same osmotic pressure; more specifically, limited to situations in which cells can neither swell nor shrink.
ISTHMIC - The lesion is in the pars interarticularis. Three types occur: lytic, fatigue fracture of the pars interarticularis; elongated but intact pars interarticularis; and acute fracture of the pars interarticularis.
J
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
JARCHO-LEVIN SYNDROME - Extensive defects of the spine with associated defects in the ribs leading to a small, stiff thorax and pulmonary compromise.
JOINT - The junction or articulation of two or more bones that permits varying degrees of motion between the bones.
JOINTS of LUSCHKA (uncovertebral joints) - Unique to the cervical spine, these jointlike structures are formed by the apposition of posterolateral portions of adjacent vertebral bodies; forms the anterior portion of the canal where nerves pass through.
JUGULAR VEIN - The major vein on each side of the neck draining blood from the head towards the heart. Large obvious vein in the neck.
JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS - generalized inflammatory joint disease in children.
JUVENILE SCOLIOSIS - Begins between the ages of 3 and 10 years of age.
K
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
KANEDA - An anteriorly placed fixation device for spinal deformities.
KINETIC - Relating to motion or movement.
KYPHECTOMY - For kyphotic deformity in myelodysplasia; excision of kyphotic portion of lumbar spine combined with spinal fixation.
KYPHOSCOLIOSIS - Lateral curvature of the spine associated with forward inclination of the spine.
KYPHOSIS - An abnormal increase in the normal kyphotic curvature of the thoracic spine. Round shoulder deformity, humpback, dorsal curvature; may refer to any forward-bending area or deformity of the spine.
L
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
LAMINA - The flattened or arched part of the vertebral arch, forming the roof of the spinal canal. The posterior part of the spinal ring that covers the spinal cord or nerves.
LAMINECTOMY - Excision of one or more laminae of the vertebrae. Removal of the lamina, the bony element covering the posterior portion of the spinal canal.
LAMINOPLASTY - The lamina are hinged laterally opened like a door, and secured in their new position with suture or bone to enlarge the spinal canal.
LAMINOTOMY - An opening made in a lamina. Formation of a hole in the lamina without disrupting the continuity of the entire lamina to approach the intervertebral disc or neural structures.
LAPAROSCOPY - a form of minimally invasive surgery using a type of endoscope known as a laproscope. The technique allows surgeons to perform procedures without making major incisions that can lead to long recovery times.
LASER - Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The device that produces a focused beam of light at a defined wavelength that can vaporize tissue. In surgery, lasers can be used to operate on small areas without damaging delicate surrounding tissue.
LATERAL - Situated away from the midline of the body.
LATERAL MASS - The lateral expansion of the spinal ring in the cervical spine, consisting of the facet joints and intervening bone as well as a tunnel through which the vertebral artery travels in the second through fifth cervical vertebra.
LEEDS - For scoliosis, segmental wiring of a contoured square-ended Harrington rod.
LEPTOMENINGES - Two thin layers of fine tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (The pia mater and arachnoid).
LEPTOMENINGITIS - Inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
LEPTOMENINGOPATHY - Disease of the arachnoid or pia matter of the brain and spinal cord.
LIGAMENT - A band of flexible, fibrous connective tissue that is attached at the end of a bone near a joint. The main function of a ligament is to attach bones to one another, to provide stability of a joint, and to prevent or limit some joint motion.
LIGAMENTOUS - Relating to or of the form or structure of a ligament.
LIGAMENTUM FLAVUM - A band of yellow elastic tissue that runs between the laminae from the axis to the sacrum; it assists in maintaining or regaining erect position and serves to close in the spaces between the arches.
LIMBUS ANNULARE - A mass of bone situated at the anterospuerior margin of a vertebra. Arises from failure of fusion of the primary and secondary ossification centers.
LINEAR ACCELERATOR - Equipment that precisely delivers a concentrated dose of radiation to a predetermined target using x-rays.
LIPOMA - A benign fatty tumor, usually composed of mature fat cells.
LOCALIO - For sacral tumor; a method for partial excision of the scarum.
LOCALIZATION - Limitation to a definite area. The reference of a sensation to its point of origin.
LONGISSIMUS COLLI - Long muscle immediately anterior to the cervical spine.
LONG TRACTS - The nerve fibers that connect the voluntary muscle messages from the brain.
LORDOSCOLIOSIS - Lateral curvature of the spine associated with backward bending of the spine.
LORDOSIS - Curvature of the spine with the convexity Not a disease state, but the normal anterior concavity of the neck or low back.
LUMBAGO - A non-medical term signifying pain in the lumbar region. Archaic term meaning back pain.
LUMBAR - The lower part of the spine between the thoracic and the sacrum. The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae. The five moveable spinal segments of the lower back and largestof the spinal segments.
LUMBAR CURVE - Curve with apex between the first and the fourth lumbar vertebrae.
LUMBAR DRAIN - A device (usually a long, thin, flexible tube) inserted through the skin into the cerebrospinal fluid space of the lower back; provides a method of draining cerebrospinal fluid.
LUMBARIZATION - Partial or complete formation of a free-moving first sacral segment so that it looks like a lumbar vertebra.
LUMBAR KYPHOSIS - Reverse of the normal curve of the back.
LUMBAR LORDOSIS - Angle made by lines drawn from the superior surface of the first and fifth lumbar vertebra.
LUMBAR MICRODISCECTOMY - an operation on the lumbar spine performed using a surgical microscope and microsurgical techniques.
LUMBOSACRAL CURVE - A lateral curve with its aspect at or between the fifth lumbar vertebra.
LUMBOSACRAL JOINT ANGLE - Angle between the inferior of the fifth lumbar vertebra and the top of the sacrum.
LUQUE INSTRUMENTATION -A posterior method of fixation.
LUQUE ISF - For posterolateral fusion fixation; a pedicle screw and plate device.
LUXATION - Dislocation.
M
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
MAGERL - Transarticular facet screw fusion for posterior C-1 on C-2 with the use of bilateral screws directed from inferior posterior lateral mass to anterior superior C-1.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY (MRA) - A non-invasive study which is conducted in a Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI). The magnetic images are assembled by a computer to provide an image of the arteries in the head and neck. No contrast material is needed, but some patients may experience claustrophobia in the imager.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) - Diagnostic test that produces three-dimensional images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology rather than x-rays.
MALIGNANT - resistant to treatment; occurring in severe form, and frequently fatal; tending to become worse and leading to an ingravescent course.
MARGINAL OSTEOPHYTES - Excess bone formation at the margin of the vertebral body; spondylosis.
MARIE-STRÜMPELL d - Inflammation of the spine, occurring as a rheumatoid-tyoe disease in children.
MASSAGE - A method of manipulation of the body by rubbing, pinching, kneading, tapping, etc.
MEDIAN NERVE - The nerve formed from the brachial plexus that supplies muscles in the anterior forearm and thumb, as well as, sensation of the hand. It may be compressed or trapped at the wrist in carpal tunnel syndrome.
MEDIAL - Situated closer to the midline of the body.
MEDICAL DEVICE REPORT (MDR) - The required reporting of' medical device complaints involving a patient death, serious injury, or device malfunction.
MEDICATION - The act of medicating. A medical substance, or medicament.
MENINGES - The three membranes covering the spinal cord and brain termed dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater.
MENINGISMUS - Apparent irritation of brain or spinal cord in which symptoms simulate meningitis but in which no actual inflammation of the membranes is present; meningism.
MENINGITIS - An infection or inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
MENINGOCELE - A protrusion of the coverings of the spinal cord or brain through a defect in the skull or vertebral column. May be congenital or acquired.
MENINGOENCEPHALITIS - An inflammation or infection of the brain and spinal cord and their membranes.
MENINGOENCEPHALOCELE - A protrusion of both the meninges and brain tissue through a skull defect.
MENINGOMYELITIS - Inflammation of spinal cord, its enveloping arachnoid and pia mater, and sometimes the dura mater..
MODIFIED FRANKEL CLASSIFICATION - Scale for spinal cord damage due to any cause.
MORBIDITY - the frequency of the appearance of complications following a surgical procedure or the other treatment.
MRA - Magnetic Resonance Angiography. A non-invasive study which is conducted in a Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI). The magnetic images are assembled by a computer to provide an image of the arteries in the head and neck. No contrast material is needed, but some patients may experience claustrophobia in the imager.
MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Scanning technique for views of the brain or spinal cord. No radiation is involved, but rather pulsed magnetic waves are used to delineate the structures within the brain.
MESENCEPHALIC - Relating to that part of the brain stem known as the mesencephalon.
MINIMAL ACCESS DISCECTOMY - an operation performed on the upper spine to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots.
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Laminectomy/Discectomy - an operation performed on the lower spine to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots. The term is derived from the words lumbar (low back), and discectomy (remove a portion of the intervertebral disc).
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY - Surgery requiring small incision(s), usually performed with endoscopic visualization.
MUSCULATURE - The arrangement of the muscles in a part or in the body as a whole.
MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES - injuries affecting the muscles.
MYALGIA - Muscular pain.
MYELALGIA - Pain in the spinal cord.
MYELANALOSIS - Wasting of spinal marrow, tabes dorsalis.
MYELAPOPLEXY - Loss of nerve strength caused by some disorder of the spinal cord.
MYELASTHENIA - Loss of nerve strength caused by some disorder of the spinal cord.
MYELATELIA - Imperfect development of the spinal cord.
MYELATROPHY - Atrophy (wasting away) of spinal cord because of lack of nutrition, causing it to diminish in size.
MYELAUXE - Abnormal increase in size of spinal cord.
MYELETEROSIS - Abnormal alteration of the spinal cord.
MYELIN - The fat-like substance which surrounds the axon nerve fibers and forms an insulating material.
MYELOCELE - Protrusion of the spinal cord in spina bifida. Herniation and protrusion of substance of spinal cord through defect in the bony spinal canal.
MYELOCYSTOCELE - Cystic protrusion of substance of the spinal cord through a defect in the bony spinal canal.
MYELOCYSTOMENINGOCELE - Cystic protrusion of substance of the spinal cord, with meninges, through a defect in the spinal canal.
MYELODYIASTASIS - Separation of the spinal cord.
MYELODYSPLASIA - Defective development of any part of spinal cord.
MYELOENCEPHALITIS - Inflammation of the spinal cord and brain; myelencephalitis.
MYELOGRAM - An x-ray of the spinal canal following injection of a contrast material into the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid spaces.
MYELOGRAPHY - Radiography of the spinal cord and nerve roots after the injection of a contrast medium into the spinal subarachnoid space.
MYELOMALACIA - Softening of the spinal cord.
MYELOMENINGITIS - Inflammation of the spinal cord and meninges (spinal membranes).
MYELOMENINGOCELE - A protrusion of the spinal cord and its coverings through a defect in the vertebral column. Herniation of cord and meninges through a defect in the vertebral column.
MYELONEURITIS - Inflammation of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
MYELOPARALYSIS - Spinal paralysis.
MYELOPATHY - Any functional or pathologic disturbance in the spinal cord.
MYELOPHTHISIS - Wasting of the spinal cord; reduction of cell-forming function of bone marrow.
MYELOPLEGIA - Spinal paralysis.
MYELORADICULITIS - Inflammation of spinal cord and nerve roots.
MYELORADICULOPATHY - Disease of spinal cord and spinal nerve roots.
MYELORRHAGIA - Spinal hemorrhage.
MYELOSCELEROSIS - Hardening of the spinal cord.
MYELOSYPHILIS - Syphilis of the spinal cord.
MYELOTOMY - A procedure for severing tracts in the spinal cord.
MYOPATHY - Any disease of muscle.
MYOSITIS - Inflammation of the muscle.
N
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
NAFFZIGER SYNDROME - Intervertebral disc disease, cervical rib, or some other disorder causes the scalene muscles to go into spasm, resulting in pressure on the major nerve plexus of the arm causing pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand; scalenus anticus syndrome.
NEOPLASM - Any new or abnormal growth, specifically a new growth of tissue in which the growth is uncontrolled.
NERVE - A whitish cordlike structure composed of one or more bundles of myelinated or unlyelinated fibers, or more often mixtures of both coursing outside of the central nervous system, together with connective tissue within the fascicle and around the neurolemma of individual fibers.
NERVE ROOT - The portion of a spinal nerve in close proximity to its origin from the spinal cord.
NEURALGIA - A paroxysmal pain extending along the course of one or more nerves.
NEUROFIBROMA - Fibrous tumor of a nerve, which may affect a nerve root and thus give the appearance of herniated disc disease.
NEUROSURGERY - The surgical specialty involved in the treatment of disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
NEURAL ARCH - The bony arch of the posterior aspect of a vertebra that surrounds the spinal cord, also referred to as the vertebral arch.
NEURALGIA - Pain of a severe, throbbing, or stabbing character in the course or distribution of a nerve.
NEURECTOMY - Excision of part of a nerve.
NEURITIS - Inflammation of a nerve; may also be used to denote non-inflammatory nerve lesions of the peripheral nervous system.
NEUROBLASTOMA - Tumor of sympathetic nervous system origin, found mostly in infants and children.
NEUROFIBROMA - A tumor of the peripheral nerves due to an abnormal collection of fibrous and insulating cells.
NEUROFIBROMATOSIS - A familial condition characterized b by developmental changes in the nervous system, muscles and skin, marked by numerous tumors affecting these organ system.
NEUROHYPOPHYSIS - The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
NEUROLYSIS - Removal of scar or reactive tissue from a nerve or nerve root.
NEUROMA - A tumor or new growth largely made up of nerve fibers and connective tissue.
NEUROMUSCULAR SCOLIOSIS - Scoliosis caused by a muscle or central nervous system disorder.
NEUROPATHY - Any functional or pathologic disturbance in the peripheral nervous system.
NEUROSTIMULATOR - A device for electrical excitation of the central or peripheral nervous system.
NON-UNION - Failure of the fragments of a fractured bone to heal or to obtain bony fusion following an arthrodesis.
NUCHAL LIGAMENT - Large posterior midline ligament in the neck from the base of the skull to the seventh cervical vertebra.
NUCLEUS PULPOSUS - The semi-gelatinous tissue in the center of an intervertebral disc. It is surrounded and contained by the annulus fibrosus which prevents this material from protruding outside the disc space.
NURICK SCALE - Classification scale for spinal cord compression due to spondylosis.
O
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
OCCIPITAL NERVE - Nerve from the back of the neck that supplies motor function and sensation to the forehead; two parts- greater and lesser.
OCCIPUT - The back part of the head. The base of the skull.
OLIGODENDROGLIA - Non-nerve cells, (see glia) forming part of the supporting structure of the central nervous system.
OLISTHY - Slipping of bone(s) from normal anatomic site; for example, a slipped disc.
ORTHOPAEDICS (also ORTHOPEDICS) - The medical specialty involved in the preservation and restoration of function of the musculoskeletal system that includes treatment of spinal disorders and peripheral nerve lesions.
ORTHOPAEDIC IMPLANTS - Medical devices used to replace or provide fixation of bone or to replace articulating surfaces of a joint.
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON - A physician who treats the musculoskeletal system, extremities, and spine by operation or manipulation.
OSTEOINDUCTIVE - A material with the ability to induce bone to grow.
OSSIFICATION - The process of forming bone in the body.
OSTEOARTHRITIS - Arthritis characterized by erosion of articular cartilage, either primary or secondary to trauma or other conditions, which becomes soft, frayed, and thinned with eburnation of subchondral bone and outgrowths of marginal osteophytes.
OSTEOMA - A benign tumor of bone.
OSTEOMYELITIS - Inflammation of bone due to infection, which may be localized or generalized.
OSTEOPHYTE - A bony outgrowth or protuberance.
OSTEOPOROSIS - A disorder in which bone is abnormally brittle, less dense, and is the result of a number of different diseases and abnormalities.
P
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
PAIN - An unpleasant sensation associated with actual or potential tissue damage, and mediated by specific nerve fibers to the brain where its conscious appreciation may be modified by various factors.
PARAPLEGIA - Paralysis of the lower part of the body including the legs.
PARAVERTEBRAL MUSCLE SPASM - Spasm in the muscles on either side of the spinous processes (midline of the back); the term may be used to describe a physical finding or improperly used to define a disease process.
PARS INTERARTICULARS - The posterior continuation of the spinal arch from the pedicle; the superior and inferior facets are connected to each other by the pars interarticulars.
PATHOLOGIC - Generalized or localized bone disease is present.
PATHOLOGY - The study of disease states.
PECTORAL (also PECTORALIS) - Relating to the chest.
PEDICLE -The part of each side of the neural arch of a vertebra. It connects the lamina with the vertebral body. The first portion of the posterior spine arising from the vertebral body.
PERIOSTEUM - A fibrous membrane that covers the surface of bone except at the end of the bones where it is covered with cartilage as part of a joint. In children, periosteum is involved in forming new bone and molding the configuration of bone; and in the adult, the periosteum forms new bone secondary to injury or infection.
PERITONEAL CAVITY - Body cavity in which the abdominal organs are situated.
PHRENIC NERVE - Nerve arising from three cervical nerve roots (C-3 to C-5); supplies the diaphragm.
PHYSICAL - Relating to the body, as distinguished from the mind.
PHYSICAL THERAPY - The treatment consisting of exercising specific parts of the body such as the legs, arms, hands or neck, in an effort to strengthen, regain range of motion, relearn movement and/or rehabilitate the musculoskeletal system to improve function.
PHYSIOLOGY -The science of the functioning of living organisms, and of their component systems or parts.
PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME - A clinical diagnosis based on complaints of pain and abnormal sensations in the buttocks region with extension into the hips and posterior thigh as would be seen in sciatica.
PITUITARY - Gland at base of the brain which secretes hormones into the blood stream. Those hormones then regulate other glands including the thyroid, adrenals and gonads. The "Master Gland".
PLATYSMA - Thin outermost muscle layer of the anterior neck.
PLEXITIS - Inflammation of the plexus.
PLEXUS - A network or interjoining of nerves and blood vessels or of lymphatic vessels.
POLYNEURITIS - Inflammation of two or more nerves simultaneously.
POSTERIOR - The back of the body or situated nearer the back of the body.
POSTERIOR APPROACH - Used for laminectomies and spinal fusions at any level; Hibbs, Wagoner.
POSTERIOR CERVICAL SPINAL FUSION - Spinal fusion done from the back, using the lamina, facets, and spinous processes of the neck.
POSTERIOR NECK MUSCLES - Splenius, spinalis, and semispinalis.
POSTERIOR FOSSA - The internal base of the skull.
POSTERIOR LUMBAR SPINAL FUSION - Spinal fusion done from the back using the lamina, the facets, and spinous processes of the lower back.
POSTERIOR SPINAL FUSION - A fusion of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions primarily fusing the lamina and sometimes the facet joints, using iliac or other bone graft.
POSTERIOR SPINAL MUSCLE SEGMENTS - Upper and lower posterior serratus m., spinalis m., semispinalis m., and rotators.
POSTEROLATERAL (P/L) - Behind and to one side, specifically to the outer side.
POSTEROLATERAL INTERBODY FUSION (PLIF) - Lumbar spine fusion that involves an interbody fusion accomplished through the posterior approach.
POSTEROLATERAL FUSION - A fusion of both the lamina and transverse process, using the iliac bone for graft, usually in the lower lumbar and first sacral segments.
POST-ICTAL - State following a seizure, often characterized by altered function of the limbs and/or mentation.
POSTURE - The position of the limbs or the carriage of the body as a whole.
POTT d - Tuberculosis of the spine, usually in the lower thoracic segments.
POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - Instruments which are powered by compressed air or electricity and are used in surgical procedures to cut, drill, or otherwise remove bone and cartilage, as well as to evacuate fluids.
PRE-CLINICAL STUDIES - Tests occurring prior to clinical studies, usually in vitro or in vivo involving animals. The purpose of these studies is to determine the safety and efficacy of the test material.
PREMARKET NOTIFICATION [510(k)] - A regulatory method for gaining clearance from the FDA to market a device. The FDA is petitioned by a company to determine if a particular medical device is "substantially equivalent" to a device which was commercially available prior to May 28, 1976. This method usually applies to Class I or II medical devices.
PREMARKET APPROVAL (PMA) - A regulatory method for gaining a marketing clearance from the FDA for a Class III medical device. A company submits information to the FDA that documents the safety and effectiveness of the device.
PRONATOR - A muscle which turns a part into the prone position.
PROPRIOCEPTION - Sensation concerning movements of joints and position of the body in space.
PROSTHESIS - An artificial body part such as an artificial leg or arm. The term prosthesis is also used to describe some of the implants used in the body such as a hip or knee replacement device.
PROTRUSION - Displaced nuclear material causes a discrete bulge in the annulus, but no material escapes through the annular fibers.
PROXIMAL - Nearest the center of the body.
PSEUDOTUMOR CEREBRI - Raised intracranial pressure, usually causing only headache and papilledema. No clear underlying structural abnormality.
PSEUDOARTHROSIS (also PSEUDARTHROSIS) - A form of non-union in which there is the formation of a false joint with some cartilage covering the ends of the bones and a cavity containing fluid that resembles a normal joint.
PSEUDOCLAUDUCATION - Increased pain and decreased strength in lower limbs associated with physical activity. Complaints are similar to those caused by insufficient blood supply to the limb but are caused by diminished blood supply to the nerves in a narrowed spinal canal.
PYRAMIDAL TRACT - Carries the voluntary muscle messages from the brain.
Q
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
QUADRATUS LUMBORUM - A muscle lateral to the iliopsoas muscle of the spine running from the lower ribs to the ilium.
QUADRIPLEGIA - Paralysis of all four limbs.
R
Click on the letter of the term you are looking for:
RACHIALGIA - Pain in the vertebral column.
RACHICENTESIS - Lumbar puncture for examination of the spinal fluid; rachiocentesis.
RACHIOCAMPSIS - Curvature of the spine.
RACHIOCHYSIS - Effusion of fluid within the vertebral canal.
RACHIOKYPHOSIS - Humpbacked curvature of spine; kyphosis.
RACHIOMYELITIS - Inflammation of the spinal cord.
RACHIOPARALYSIS - Paralysis of the spinal muscles.
RACHIOPATHY - Any disease of the spine.
RACHIOPLEGIA - Spinal paralysis.
RACHIOSCOLIOSIS - Lateral curvature of the spine.
RACHIOTOMY - Incision into a vertebral canal for exploration.
RACHISAGRA - Pain or gout in the spine.
RACHISCHISIS - Abnormal congenital opening of the vertebral column.
RACHITOMY - Surgical or anatomic opening of the vertebral canal.
RADICULECTOMY - Excision of a rootlet or resection of spinal nerve roots.
RADICULOPATHY - Disease of the nerve roots in or near the spinal canal as a result of direct pressure from a disc, or inflammation of the nerve roots due to disc or spinal joint disease.
RADIATION ONCOLOGIST - A medical doctor who has received advanced training in the treatment of persons receiving x-ray treatment for an illness.
RADICLE - A rootlet or structure resembling one, a minute veinlet joining with others to form a vein.
RADICULAR - Relating to the radicle.
RADIOLOGIST - A medical doctor who has received specialized training in interpreting x-rays, CTs, MRIs and performing angiography.
RADIOTHERAPY - Treatment of a lesion with radiation.
RADIUS - The lateral and shorter of the two bones of the foreman.
RECOMBINANT HUMAN PROTEINS - proteins developed by isolating a human protein and using recombinant DNA technology to produce genetically engineered proteins that act like natural proteins.
REFERRED PAIN - Sclerotomic in distribution and felt distant from its origin (e.g., bursitis in the shoulder produces pain in the lateral arm, and sciatic-like leg pain can be referred from the lower-back area).
REFLEX - An involuntary reaction in response to a stimulus applied to the periphery and transmitted to the nervous centers in the brain or spinal cord.
RESECTION - The surgical removal of part of a structure, such as bone.
RESORPTION - The removal of bone tissue by normal physiological process or as part of a pathological process such as an infection.
RETROLISTHESIS - Posterior displacement of the vertebra on the one below.
REVERSAL of CERVICAL LORDOSIS - Change in the normal curvature of the cervical spine as seen on lateral radiograph. This is usually a straightening of the normal lordotic curve or an actual reversal and is most commonly caused by muscle spasm, indicating cervical disc abnormality.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS - generalized inflammatory joint disease.
RHIZOTOMY - Division of the roots of the spinal nerves.
RISSER - For scoliosis deformity; particular attention to fusion of facet joints and use of cast stabilization.
ROBINSON and RILEY - An extensive anterior approach for fusion of C-1 to C-3 or lower.
ROD - In spinal applications, a slender, metal implant which is used to immobilize and alien the spine.
ROGER FUSION - Posterior cervical using iliac cortical and cancellous grafts.
ROOT - The primary or beginning point of any part, as of a nerve at its origin from the brainstem or spinal cord.
ROOT SLEEVE FIBROSIS - Scar tissue surrounding a nerve in the spinal canal or neural foramen; epineural fibrosis. I
