Percutaneous Discectomy

Question 1

CT Scan

Answer 1

(Computerized Tomography) A specialized imaging study allowing visualization of the vertebrae, discs, and nerves

Question 2

Epidural Cortisone

Answer 2

Injection of steroids in the space surrounding the spinal cord or spinal nerves in order to alleviate pain and inflammation

Question 3

MRI

Answer 3

(Magnetic Resonance Imaging) A specialized imaging study utilizing magnetic fields to visualize the spine and its various components including discs, ligaments, muscles, and nerves.

Question 4

Neuroforamen

Answer 4

The opening in the spinal canal where the spinal nerve root exits

Question 5

Peripheral Neuropathy

Answer 5

Nerve damage caused by systemic illnesses such as diabetes.

Question 6

Pseudoclaudication

Answer 6

Leg pain with progressive walking

Question 7

Radicular Pain

Answer 7

Pain radiating down the arm or leg in a specific patters secondary to root compression.

Question 8

Saggital Plane

Answer 8

Viewing the spine from the side

Question 9

Spinal Stenosis

Answer 9

Compression of the spinal cord or spinal nerves

Question 10

Spondylolysis

Answer 10

A bony defect in the pars interarticularis of the vertebra. May cause instability and pain.

Question 11

Analgesic

Answer 11

a medication that relieves pain without causing numbness

Question 12

Anesthetic

Answer 12

General: tends to produce deep painless sleep

Question 13

Local

Answer 13

Medication that reduces sensation as well as pain

Question 14

Annular Tear

Answer 14

A disruption or tear in the annular ring or the annulus fibrosis around the disc space

Question 15

Annulus Fibrosis

Answer 15

A complex ring of dense fibes that surrounds the nucleus pulposes of the spinal disc.

Question 16

Anterior

Answer 16

Towards the front of the body

Question 17

Articular process

Answer 17

A part of the vertebra that extends from the lamina and supports a surface of the facet joint.

Question 18

Decompression

Answer 18

Operation to relieve pressure on the structure

Question 19

Discectomy

Answer 19

Removal of part of all of inter-vertebral disc.

Question 20

Discitis

Answer 20

Infection of the disk space.

Question 21

Discogenic Pain

Answer 21

A pain syndrome deriving from an abnormal spinal disc.

Question 22

Disc Bulge

Answer 22

An abnormal expansion on the margin of the disc, typically still well contained by the annulus.

Question 23

Disc Herniation

Answer 23

The escape of a portion of the nucleus pulposes through or partly through the annulus.

Question 24

Endplates

Answer 24

Portion of the cortical part of the bone of the vertebral body that is immediately adjacent to the intervertebral disc.

Question 25

Epidural

Answer 25

In the space outside the dura

Question 26

Extruded disc

Answer 26

A portion of the nucleus pulposes passes entirely through the annulus fibrosis and is free within the spinal cord.

Question 27

Foraminotomy

Answer 27

Surgery used to open or expand the spinal foramen to increase the space for a nerve root to pass from the spinal canal out the body.

Question 28

Fusion

Answer 28

Causing two bones to grow together into one.

Question 29

Herniated disc

Answer 29

a lumbar intervertebral disc in which a portion of the nucleus pulposus has moved into an abnormal position.

Question 30

Lamina

Answer 30

The posterior portion of a vertebra, behind the spinal cord.

Question 31

Laminectomy

Answer 31

Removal of all or part of the posterior part of the vertebra.

Question 32

Laminoplasty

Answer 32

Reshaping of the posterior part of the vertebra.

Question 33

laser discoplasty

Answer 33

reduction of the size of the disc by placement of a laser into the disc, evaporating the disc tissue.

Question 34

Microdiscectomy

Answer 34

Removal of the lumbar disc material under microscope magnification.

Question 35

Nucleus Pulposus

Answer 35

The soft, spongy material surrounded by the annular ring that makes up the center of the intervertebral disc.

Question 36

Percutaneous

Answer 36

Procedure done through the skin, typically through the needle or a very small cannulae.

Question 37

Scoliosis

Answer 37

Curvature of the spine.