Vocabulary Flashcards
ACDF
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
ALIF
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion
Annulus
The outer layer of the intervertebral disc, which is located between the vertebral bodies. The annulus is made of collagen fibers.
Anterior
A term which describes the front of an object.
Apophyseal Joints
Joints located in the posterior arch of the vertebral column. Also known as Facet Joints.
Autograft
Bone which is taken usually from the patient’s pelvis in order to fuse the spine.
BMP
Bone morphogenetic protein. A copy of a protein which is normally made in the body. This protein causes bone formation and fusion.
Bone Strut
A bone graft which is placed between two vertebral bodies to give structural support and eventually cause a bone fusion.
Bone Spurs
Occurs commonly in the spine due to the natural aging process (osteoarthritis). Bone spurs can occasionally push on nerves causing arm and leg pain.
Bone Graft
Pieces of bone which are placed between the vertebrae that eventually grow together forming a spinal fusion.
Burst Fracture
A common pattern seen in the vertebral bodies when a traumatic episode occurs and causes the bone to fracture (break).
Cage
A cylindrical metal device often made of titanium which can be placed between two vertebral bodies to provide structural support.
Calcification
A process which occurs during aging where normal tissues become harder due to increased calcium content.
Cauda Equina
A group of spinal nerve roots located below the spinal cord in the vertebral canal
Cervical
Refers to the neck. There are seven cervical vertebrae in the neck
Coccygeal
The lowest tip of the spine, also known as the tailbone.
Corpectomy
A term which describes the removal of the vertebral body, frequently performed to remove pressure off the spinal cord.
Decompression
Removal of either bone, disc or calcified ligaments, which is pushing on nerves.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Changes which occur in the intervertebral disc during the normal aging process, which makes the disc more brittle.
Disc Bulge
A small disc herniation which can irritate a nerve, but usually does not require surgery.
Disc
The cushion between each of the vertebral bodies.
Disc Protrusion
A larger disc herniation which frequently pushes on nerves in the arms and legs causing pain.
Disc Herniation
Occurs when a portion of the cushion between the vertebral bodies (intervertebral disc) is no longer in its normal position. The disc usually ruptures posteriorly and pushes on nerves to the arms and legs.
Discectomy
Removal of a portion of the disc.
Discography
An injection of contrast material into the central region of the disc. This is often followed by an x-ray or CT scan.
Dura Matter
The membrane that forms the outer covering of the central nervous system.
Epidural
Located on or outside of the dura mater.
Facet Joint
The joint on the back of the spine between two adjacent vertebrae.
Foramina
The space between vertebrae where nerve roots exit to travel down the arms or legs.
Fusion
Occurs when bone graft is placed between two vertebrae and the bones grow together. After fusion is complete, there is no motion between these 2 vertebral bodies.