Spine Terms

Question 1

Cervical radiculopathy

Answer 1

pathologic process affecting the nerve root

Question 2

Cervical myelopathy

Answer 2

nervous system disorder that can permanently affect the spinal cord and causes a loss of function, pain, and discomfort

Question 3

Lumbar spondylolysis

Answer 3

defect in the pars interarticularis

Question 4

Lumbar spondylolisthesis

Answer 4

slippage of vertebral body over another

Question 5

Compression Fracture - History Questions

Answer 5

recent fall or history of cancer

Question 6

Compression Fracture - DX

Answer 6

MRI (T2 and SPR - will light up if new)

-if they can not get an MRI then get a bone scan with spect

Question 7

Compression Fracture - TX

Answer 7

TLSO brace or kyphoplasty surgery

Question 8

Myelomalacia

Answer 8

descriptive term for changes seen within the spinal cord on MRI images which indicate a loss of spinal cord volume

Question 9

Stenosis

Answer 9

narrowing of the spaced within the spine = increased pressure on nerves

Question 10

Central stenosis

Answer 10

Central spinal canal is constricted caused by enlargement of a joint in the spinal canal

Question 11

Myelopathy

Answer 11

disease or disorder of the spinal cord or bone marrow

Question 12

Radiculopathy

Answer 12

compression of the nerve due to increased pressure that causes numbness, weakness, pain, or tingling

Question 13

Epidural

Answer 13

into the space around the dura mater of the spinal cord

Question 14

Intradural

Answer 14

within or enclosed by the dura mater

Question 15

Intrathecal

Answer 15

occurring within or administered into the spinal theca (space beyond spinal cord filled with CSF)

Question 16

Retroperitoneal

Answer 16

situated or occurring behind the peritoneum

Question 17

Transperitoneal

Answer 17

passing or performed through the peritoneum

Question 18

Dens (odontoid process)

Answer 18

a prominence or projection, as from a bone

Question 19

Foramen magnum

Answer 19

large, oval-shaped opening in occipital bone - spinal cord passes through here

Question 20

Chiari Malformation

Answer 20

rare congenital condition in which the brain tissue extends into the spinal cord

Question 21

Chiari Malformation - Sxs

Answer 21

severe headache and neck pain

Question 22

Neurogenic claudication

Answer 22

• MC symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis
• Intermittent leg pain from impingement of nerves emanating from the spinal cord
• Pain with standing but relieved when leaning forward (shopping cart) or sitting

Question 23

Vascular claudication

Answer 23

• Pain due to insufficient blood supply (MC = PAD)

- Pain after walking a while, does not go away until activity is stopped