Medical Glossary
A
Allograft:
Donor bone or tissue obtained from one person and implanted into another person. Bone grafts are obtained from cadaver donors.
Analgesic:
A drug that alleviates pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Anesthesia:
A drug that blocks pain impulses from nerves. With general anesthesia you are unconscious, or asleep. With local anesthesia you are conscious, or awake.
Annulus Fibrosus:
The fibrous tissue that forms the outer ring of a disc. The discs are located between vertebrae and acts as a shock absorber.
Artifact:
An abnormality in an image resulting in distortion and interference.
Autograft:
Bone or bone marrow taken from the patient and used for fusion in that patient.
B
BMP:
Bone morphogenetic protein. Biologic material that enhances bone growth.
Bone Growth Stimulator:
A device worn or implanted to promote bone growth using an electromagnetic field in the case of fracture or surgery. I may be used in patients with osteoporosis or who smoke to enhance the fusion and decrease healing time.
C
CAT or CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography):
A test that uses X-rays and computer analysis to create the three-dimensional pictures of the inside of your body.
Cauda equina syndrome:
The cauda equina is a bundle of nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord. Cauda equina syndrome is severe compression of the cauda equina resulting in loss of bowel or bladder function, loss of sensation in the buttocks and groin, and weakness in the legs.
Claudication:
Intermittent or constant leg pain due to pinching on the nerves in the lumbar spine. This can also be caused from a decreased blood supply to nerves or muscles in the legs.
Corticosteroid:
A medicine that reduces swelling, or inflammation.
D
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD):
A degenerative process of the spine. Disc degeneration occurs during the normal aging process and is generally not a problem; however, if severe can cause neck or back pain described as deep aching with physical activity or stiffness in the morning. Degenerative disc disease is also known as arthritis of the spine.
DEXA (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry):
A test to measure the bone mineral density. The DEXA can be used to detect osteoporosis.
Disc:
Tissue found between the bones of the spinal column, called vertebrae. Discs cushion the vertebrae and spine acting like a shock absorber for the stress experienced during everyday activities (i.e., walking, bending, running, etc.).
Disc Herniation:
A condition of the disc in which a tear in the outer ring (annulus) allows the soft, central portion (nucleus pulposus) to bulge or protrude. The disc is located between the vertebrae and acts as a shock absorber.
Disc Protrusion:
Sometimes referred to as a “disc bulge” is the condition in which any portion of the disc protrudes into the canal or surrounding nerves and soft tissues.
Discitis:
Inflammation of the disc.
E
Electromyography (EMG):
A test used to determine the function of the peripheral nerves and nerve roots, involving placement of tiny needles in muscles and providing an electrical stimulus that can be monitored for changes that reflect the function of the connection between the nerve and muscle. This test is usually performed in conjunction with a nerve conduction velocity study (NCV).
Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI’s):
Injection of corticosteroid medications into the epidural space (the area around the spinal nerves) to reduce inflammation of the nerve and disc.
Extension:
Bending backward, while standing upright.
F
Facet:
Surfaces where two vertebrae meet and articulate (move) forming a joint.
Facetectomy:
A surgical procedure to remove part of a degenerative or enlarged facet from compressing a nerve root.
Facet Joint Injection:
Injections of steroids and local anesthetic into the facet joints to determine if it is a source of pain and/or to reduce pain and inflammation.
Fascia:
Tissue that surrounds the muscles, bones, nerves and internal organs. The fascia protects the internal structures from injury and aids in healing.
Flexion:
Bending forward, from a sitting or standing position.
Foramen:
A natural opening or passage in bone for nerves and blood vessels.
Foraminal Stenosis:
Constriction of a nerve root as it exits the cervical spine which can be caused from herniated discs, disc protrusions, bone spurs and arthritis. Pressure on the nerve root can cause numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the arms and is also referred to as radicular pain or radiculopathy
Foraminotomy:
A surgical procedure to make the foramen larger and provide more space for the exiting nerve root.
Fracture:
A disruption of the normal continuity of bone which also known as a “broken bone.” Fractures can be caused from trauma, osteoporosis or tumors.
Fusion:
An operation to permanently join the vertebrae together.
G
H
Herniation (Herniated Disc):
A condition of the disc in which a tear to the outer ring (annulus) allows the soft, central portion (nucleus pulposus) to bulge or protrude. The disc is located between the vertebra and acts as a shock absorber.
I
J
Interspinous Ligament:
Spinal ligament that extends from one spinous process to the other.
Interspinous Process Decompression (IPD®):
An operation in which titanium implant, (i.e. X-STOP®) is placed between the spinous processes to decompress nerves and/or spinal canal.
Interspinous Space:
The space between the spinous processes of the vertebrae.
Intervertebral Disc:
Tissue found between the bones of the spinal column, called vertebrae. The disc helps cushion the spine acting like a shock absorber from the stress during everyday activities (i.e., walking, bending, sitting, etc.).
K
Kyphoplasty:
Procedure to repair osteoporosis fractures, where glue-like material is injected into a balloon inserted into a collapsed vertebra.
Kyphosis:
A curve in the spine that points to the back of the body. A hunchback is one example of kyphosis.
L
Lamina:
A part of a vertebra. For each vertebra, two lamina connect the pedicles to the spinous processes forming the roof of the spinal canal.
Laminectomy:
A surgical procedure to remove the lamina to allow more room for the spinal cord and nerves.
Laminotomy:
A surgical procedure to remove part of the lamina to allow more room for the spinal cord and nerves.
Laser:
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The device that produces a focused beam of light at a defined wavelength that to vaporize tissues in small areas without damaging delicate surrounding structures during an operation.
Lateral Recess Stenosis:
Constriction of a nerve root as it exits the lumbar spine which can be caused from herniated disc, disc protrusions, bone spurs, arthritis or spondylolisthesis. Pressure on the nerve root can cause numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the legs and is also referred to as radicular pain or radiculopathy
Ligaments:
A band of tissue linking two bones in a joint.
Lumbar:
The lower part of the spine between the ribs and hipbones.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis:
A spinal condition that involves reduction in the diameter of the spinal canal due to herniated disc, disc protrusions, bone spurs or arthritis. The decreased diameter and narrowing pinches the nerves in the canal and causes numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the legs, also referred to as neurogenic claudication.
M
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS):
A surgical procedure done through small incisions rather than a large open surgery.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):
A test that uses magnetic fields to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body.
Myelogram:
A diagnostic procedure in which a dye is injected into the spinal canal before an X-ray is performed. The dye makes the spinal canal and nerve roots easier to see on X-ray film.
Myelopathy:
Spinal cord disorder which commonly causes weakness in the lower extremities, and spasticity in the upper extremities, which may be the consequence of spinal stenosis, particularly in the cervical spine, or an injury to the spinal cord.
N
Nerves:
Fibers containing nerve cells that send messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
Nerve Compression:
Pressure on a nerve; may cause nerve damage and muscle weakness.
Nerve Root:
The start of the nerve as it leaves the spinal cord (and passes through the foramen).
Nerve Root Block:
Injection of corticosteroids and local anesthetic onto a specific nerve root sleeve surrounding a nerve root.
Nucleus Pulposus:
The central soft fibrous, jelly-like substance that is located in the middle of a disc. The discs are located between the vertebrae and acts as a shock absorber.
O
Osteophytes:
Bony outgrowths on the edge of a vertebra, also known as “bone spurs.”
Osteoporosis:
A disease of the bone in which the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced resulting in weak bones. These weak bones are less dense and our at risk for fractures.
P
Pars Interarticularis:
Also referred to as pars for short, is the part of a vertebra. It is the bone segment located in the back of the vertebrae which helps stabilize the spine.
Pedicle:
A part of a vertebra. It connects the lamina with the vertebral body.
Pseudoarthrosis:
When a patient’s bones do not heal (fuse) completely after a fusion surgery.
Q
R
Radiculopathy:
Impairment of a nerve root, usually causing radiating pain, numbness, tingling or muscle weakness that corresponds to a specific nerve root.
S
Sacroiliitis:
A inflammation of the sacroiliac joint causing low back, buttock and thigh pain. This joint is an interlocking immobile joint located between the sacrum at the base of the spine and the ileum of the pelvis.
Spinal Canal:
The bony channel that contains the spinal cord and/or central spinal nerves.
Spinal Cord:
A bundle of nerves that carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
Spinous Process:
A part of the vertebra that protrudes from the back of vertebra. The spinous processes create the “bumps” you feel in the middle of your back.
Spinal Stenosis:
Reduction in the diameter or “narrowing” of the spinal canal due to herniated disc, disc protrusions, bone spurs or arthritis which may result in pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves.
Supraspinous Ligament:
Spinal ligament that passes over and attaches to the tips of the spinous processes.
Spondylolisthesis:
A condition in which one vertebra slips forward in relation to the vertebra below it.
Spondylolysis:
A fracture (crack) in the “pars interarticularis” of a vertebral body resulting in abnormal motion and instability of the spine. Most commonly occurs in the lumbar spine and can be unilateral or bilateral.
T
Trigger Point Injections:
Injection of local anesthetic with or without corticosteroid into painful soft tissues (i.e., muscles or ligaments) along the spine or over the back of the pelvis. Generally used for pain control; however can be used as a diagnostic tool.
Tumor:
An abnormal growth or mass of tissue that can be malignant or benign.
U
V
Vertebra:
A bone of the spinal column. There are seven (7) cervical, twelve (12) thoracic and five (5) lumbar vertebrae that make up the spine. Occasionally, patients will be born with extra vertebrae that do not normally cause problems.
W
X
X-ray:
A test that uses radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body.
X-STOP®:
A titanium implant that fits between the spinous processes.
Y
Z
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