Pathology terms

Question 1

Ablation

Answer 1

Removal of a body part or destruction of function

Question 2

Arthordesis

Answer 2

Surgical fixation of a joint to promote fusion of the bones

Question 3

Crankshaft deformity

Answer 3

When a skeletally immature patient fuses, due to a deformity

Question 4

Decompensation

Answer 4

Loss of spinal balance when thoracic cage is not centered over the pelvis

Question 5

Discectomy

Answer 5

Removal of all or part of the disc (intervertebral disc)

Question 6

Discogram

Answer 6

Radiographic/material injected under fluoro/disc is evaluated

Question 7

Etiology

Answer 7

Cause or origin of a pathology

Question 8

Hyperkyphosis

Answer 8

Spinal deformity of sagittal plane (excessive flexion occurs) aka-hunchback/humpback

Question 9

Hypokyphosis

Answer 9

Alignment of sagittal plane/less than normal amount of flexion (anterior capacity)

Question 10

Iatrogenic

Answer 10

Response (usually unfavorable) To medical/surgical treatment

Question 11

Idiopathic

Answer 11

Unknown cause

Question 12

Kyphosis

Answer 12

Posterior curve in the sagittal plane of spine

Question 13

Lamella

Answer 13

Layers of collagen/elastin fibers which make up the annulus fibrosis of the intervertebral disc

Question 14

Laminectomy

Answer 14

Removal of the laminate/ all or part of the posterior vertebral elements

Question 15

Laminoplasty

Answer 15

Reconstruction of posterior vertebral elements to increase space, while maintaining arch

Question 16

Lordosis

Answer 16

Anterior curve in sagittal plane/cervical 20 to 40°/lumbar 30 to 50°

Question 17

Myelogram

Answer 17

Floro injected into cauda equina, allows visualization of neurological structure

Question 18

Myelopathy

Answer 18

Deterioration or disease of the spinal cord

Question 19

Osteoblast

Answer 19

Cell that forms bone

Question 20

Osteoclast

Answer 20

Cell that resorbs bony tissue

Question 21

Radiculopathy

Answer 21

Deterioration or disease of a nerve root

Question 22

Radiolucent

Answer 22

Density that allows passage for some or all x-rays

Question 23

Radiopaque

Answer 23

Dense enough to block passage of some or all x-rays

Question 24

Retrolisthesis

Answer 24

Posterior slippage of a vertebrae/inferior adjacent vertebrae

Question 25

Scheuermann’s disease

Answer 25

Kyphotic condition resulting from unknown causes of the vertebral bodies

Question 26

Sciatica

Answer 26

Pain in lower back and hip L5 to S1, results from compression of the L5 to S1 nerve root

Question 27

Spondylolisthesis

Answer 27

Defect in vertebrae, usually pars, maintains relatively normal alignment

Question 28

Spondylolysis

Answer 28

Anterior slippage of a vertebrae in relation to the inferior adjacent vertebrae

Question 29

Spondyloptosis

Answer 29

L5 slips entirely off the top of the sacrum and into the pelvic cavity

Question 30

Stenosis

Answer 30

Narrrowing of a tube or passage

Question 31

Subluxatuon

Answer 31

Partial or incomplete vertebral slip in relation to the adjacent vertebrae

Question 32

Synovitis

Answer 32

Inflammation of a synovial membrane

Question 33

Tension band

Answer 33

Posterior spinal muscle group that works to maintain an upright posture