A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
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| Anterior -
front; anterior refers to the approach used by the surgeon to reach
the spine through the front of the the body. Cervical and Lumbar
surgeries are done anteriorly. |
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| ALIF -
Anterior (from the front) Lumbar Interbody Fusion |
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Allograft -a
piece tissue transplanted from a bone bank to replace one that's
damaged or diseased. |
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Autograft -
a piece of the patient's own tissue transplanted to replace one
that's damaged or diseased. Generally, the tissue is taken from
the hip. |
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Artificial Disc -
a prostheic devise with an elastic nuclus similar to a natural
disc. |
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A/P X-ray -
X-rays taken with a frontal and back view of the patient's spine. |
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Bending X-ray -
X-rays are taken with the patient bending to the right and to the
left. These x-rays reveal how flexable the curve is and can give
some prediction of the amount of correction that can be obtained
with surgery. |
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| Bulging Disc -
A bulging disc is a slight protrusion of the center of the disc
(nucleus pulposus) into the spinal canal. In a bulging disc, the
annulus fibrosus (outer ring) has not been ruptured. |
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| Cell Saver -
An interoperative machine used to salvage blood lost during the
surgical procedure. The machine spins, washes, and filters blood,
returning the red blood cells to the patient. |
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Cervical spine -
refers to the neck; the uppermost region of the backbone, including:
the first seven vertebrae, the nerve elements (spinal cord and
nerve roots) inside them, and all supporting structures that join
them together. |
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Degenerative
Disc Disease - Degenerative Disc Disease refers to the
loss of loss of hydration in the disc and weakening of the annulus(outer
lining of the disc). Trauma can cause the annulus to tear and
disc material leaks out and presses on a nerve. Degenerative
disc disease is very common in the human population but is not
always symptomatic. |
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Discs -
fibrous cartilage pads that lie between the spinal vertebrae; each
is made up of two parts: a jelly-like center (the nucleus pulposus)
that loses moisture with age, and a tough outer ring (the annulus
fibrosus) that can split with age or injury. |
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Discectomy -
the cutting out (-ectomy) of an intervertebral disc. |
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| Graft -
a piece of tissue transplanted to replace one that's damaged or diseased;
in this case, a bone graft may be used to fill the emptied intervertebral
disc space. |
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Hemangioma -
A hemangioma is a benign tumor usually found in the thoracic area
of the spine. Some patients with hemangioma are asymptomatic, others
will report pain at the vertebral level effected by the hemangioma. |
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Herniated disc -
the rupture of the center of an intervertebral disc through its
fibrous outer ring and causes compression of the spinal cord or
nerve roots; also called ruptured disc or (incorrectly) slipped
disc. |
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Kyphosis -
Kyphosis is an abnormal increase in normal kyphotic (posterior)
curvature of the thoracic spine which can result in a noticeable
round back deformity. |
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Lateral X-ray -
An X-ray taken from the side. |
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Osteoid Osteomas -
Osteoid Osteomas is a benign cancer usually found in adolescences.
Patients usually present with a complaint of severe pain. The treatment
plan often includes a CT scan, anti-inflammatory medication, and
surgery. |
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Osteophytes -
Osteophytes or bone spurs, are bony overgrowth at the edge of the
joint possibly as a result of arthritis. This boney overgrowth
can impinge nerves in the spinal canal, and cause pain. |
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Posterior -
back; posterior refers to the approach used by the surgeon to reach
the spine through the back of the the body. |
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Radiculopathy -
Nerve pain in the leg or arm which may be amenable to local treatments
such as steroid blocks. |
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Spinal Balance -
In any spinal procedure, it is essential that the surgeon maintain
the natural curvature of your spine. |
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Spinal Cord Monitoring -
During surgery the physcian monitors the integrity of the spinal
cord. The machine used monitors somatosensory evoked potentials
(SEP). |
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Syrnix -
Collection of fluid in the spinal cord. |
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Thoracic Spine -
refers to the midback; the region of the backbone, including: the
tweleve vertebrae T1-T12, the nerve elements (spinal cord and nerve
roots) inside them, and all supporting structures that join them
together |
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Whiplash -
Whiplash refers to a sprain or strain of the muscles in the neck.
This occurs when there is a sudden flexion and extension of the
neck. |
