Cancer arising from secretory cells, often in a gland.
Breast and pancreatic cancers are usually adenocarcinomas.
Afferent Neuron
Transmitting impulses to the central nervous system.
Allograft Bone
Sterile bone derived from another human which is used for
grafting procedures.
Analgesia
Loss of sensibility to pain, loss of response to a painful
stimulus.
Anesthetics
Modern anesthetics are designed to keep the patient
comfortable and pain free during surgery. Local anesthetics are
injections near the procedure site. Locals work by blocking the
pain signals sent to the brain. General anesthetics temporarily
affect the nervous system by disabling nerve impulses. In other
words, the patient is asleep and pain free. For open back
procedures, general anesthetics are primarily used.
Anesthesiologist
Physician who administers pain-killing medications during
surgery.
Anterior
The front portion of the body. It is often used to indicate
the position of one structure relative to another.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy
A surgery in which a intervertebral disc in the neck is
removed. Generally the space is replaced by a bone graft and
may include a metal plate to help support the spine while the
fusion heals.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
– A surgery in which an intervertebral disc is
completely removed and the remaining space is filled with bone
to obtain a spinal fusion.
Annulus Fibrosus
The outer, fibrous, ring-like portion of an intervertebral
disc.
Anterolateral
Situated or occurring in front of and to the side.
Arachnoid
Delicate, web-like middle layer of membranes that cover the
brain and spinal cord.
Arachnoiditis
Infrlammation of the arachnoid membrane.
Arthralgia
Joint pain.
Arthritis
Inflammation of a joint usually characterized by swelling,
pain and restriction of motion.
Arthrodesis
The fusion of bones across a joint space, thereby limiting
or eliminating movement. It may occur spontaneously or as a
result of a surgical procedure, such as fusion of the
spine.
Arthropathy
Any disease or disorder involving a joint.
Arthroplasty
The surgical remodeling of a diseased or damaged
joint.
Arthroscope
An instrument inserted into it joint cavity to view the
interior of a joint and correct certain abnormalities. An
arthroscope is an endoscope for use in a joint.
Arthroscopy
The procedure of visualizing the inside of a joint by means
of an arthroscope.
Articular
Pertaining to a joint.
Astrocyte
A star-shaped cell, comparatively large which supports the
nerve cells (neurons) of the brain and spinal cord.
Astrocytoma
Ataxia
An inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements.
Autogenous Bone
Bone originating from the same individual; i.e., an
individual's own bone.
Autograft Bone
Bone transplanted from one part to another part of the body
in the same individual.
Autonomic Nervous System
The involuntary nervous system that also innervates smooth
and cardiac muscle and glandular tissues.
Axon
The part of a nerve cell that transmits signals to other
structures or nerves.
B
Backbone
See Spine.
Biocompatibility
A characteristic of some materials that when they are
inserted into the body do not produce a significant rejection
or immune response.
Biodegradation
The breakdown of organic materials into simple chemicals
commonly found in the body.
Bone
The hard tissue that provides structural support to the
body, It is primarily composed of hydroxyapatite crystals and
collagen. Individual bones may be classed as long, short, or
flat.
Bone Derivative
One of the substances extracted from bone, such as bone
morphogenic proteins (BMP).
Bone Graft
Bone which is harvested from one location in an individual
and placed in another individual (Allograft bone) or in a
different location in the same individual (autogenous
bone).
Bone Harvesting
– The procedure in which bone is taken from another
part of the patient's body (usually the pelvis) for use in a
fusion procedure.
Bone Marrow
The tissue contained within the internal cavities of the
bones. A major function of this tissue is to produce red blood
cells.
Bone Plate
Usually a relatively thin metal device which is affixed to
bone via screws. Bone plates are used to immobilize bones or
bone fragments such that healing can occur.
Bone Screw
A threaded metal device which is inserted into bone. The
functions of bone screws are to immobilize bones or bone
fragments or to affix other medical devices, such as metal bone
plates, to bones.
C
Cancellous Bone
The spongy or honeycomb structure of some bone tissue
typically found at the ends of long bones.
Carcinoma
Type of tumor that arises from cells which ocver on line
body surfaces of internal organs and passageway of the body.
Skin, intestinal, uterine and lung cancers are carcinomas.
Cartilage
The hard, thin layer of white glossy tissue that covers the
end of bone at a joint. This tissue allows motion to take place
with a minimum amount of friction.
Cauda Equina
A bundle of spinal nerve roots arising from the end of the
spinal cord and filling the lower part of the spinal
canal.
Central Nervous System
Part of the nervous system which consists of the brain and
spinal cord, to which sensory impulses are transmitted and from
which motor impulses pass out, and which supervises and
coordinates the activity of the entire nervous system.
Centrum
The body of a vertebra.
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Water-like fluid produced in the brain that circulates and
protects the brain and spinal cord, known as CSF.
Cervical
The neck region of the spine containing the first seven
vertebrae.
Chemonucleolysis
A treatment of an intervertebral disc that consists of an
injection of chymopapain, a drug that dissolves part of the
disc.
Choroid Plexus
A vascular portion of the brain in the ventricles that
secretes cerebrospinal fluid.
Clinical Studies
A process of strictly controlled evaluations involving
patients. Some of these studies are required by the FDA prior
to general release of a device or compound for use in
humans.
Cobalt-Chrome
A term that is used in referring to
cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, a mixture of metals used in
many surgical implants.
Coccyx
The region of the spine below the sacrum. It is also known
as the tailbone.
Collagen
A fibrous protein which is a major constituent of
connective tissue. Such as skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage,
and bones.
Comminuted Fracture
A fracture in which a bone is broken into more than two
pieces. Often internal or external fixation devices are used to
maintain proper alignment of the fragments.
CT (Computed Tomography)
A computer enhanced x-ray study to detect structural
abnormalities. A three-dimensional map of soft tissue or bone
is imaged.
Contrast Medium
A material used during a radiologic procedure to define a
structure.
Cortical Bone
The dense bone that forms the outer surface of bone.
D
De-mineralized Bone
Bone tissue which has been depleted of its minerals; e.g.,
calcium and phosphorous.
Dendrite
A nerve cell process that transmits impulses toward the
cell body.
Dens
– Part of the bone structure of the second spinal
vertebra (C2), the second bone in the neck. The dens protrudes
into a ring-like structure on C1, providing both stability and
motion to the neck.
Disc (Intervertebral)
The tough, elastic structure that is between the bodies of
spinal vertebrae. The disc consists of an outer annulus
fibrosus enclosing an inner nucleus pulposus.
Disc Degeneration
The loss of the structural and functional integrity of the
disc.
Discectomy
Surgical removal of part or all of an intervertebral
disc.
Distal
Situated away from the center of the body.
E
Endogenous
Arising within or derived from the body.
Endoscope
A medical device for viewing internal portions of the body
through a small incision. It is usually comprised of fiber
optic tubes and video display instruments.
Endoscopic Surgery
– Surgery in which an endoscope is used to see the
inside of the body and to provide a channel for surgical
instruments, allowing surgery to be done with minimal
disruption of body tissues.
Endoscopy
Inspection of internal body structures or cavities using an
endoscope.
Ependymoma
Epidural
Situated outside the thin, tough dural membrane that
surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
Excision
Removal by cutting away material.
Exogenous
Originating outside of the body.
F
Facet
A posterior structure of a vertebra which articulates with
a facet of an adjacent vertebra to form a facet joint that
allows motion in the spinal column. Each vertebra has two
superior and two inferior facets.
Facetectomy
Excision of a facet.
Fatigue Fracture
A fracture that occurs in bone or in other materials.
Including metal, as a result of repeated stress as opposed to a
single injury.
Fibrosis
The replacement of normal tissue with scar tissue.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The Federal government agency that has regulatory authority
over the manufacture, distribution, and labeling of drugs,
medical devices, and foods.
Foramen
A natural opening or passage in bone.
Foraminotomy
or
Foraminectomy
Surgical opening or enlargement of the opening in the
vertebra where the nerve root leaves the spinal cord.
Fracture
A disruption of the normal continuity of bone.
Fusion
Union or healing of bone (see Arthrodesis).
G
Gamma Knife
Equipment that delivers a precise concentrated dose of
radiation to a predetermined target using gamma rays.
Glia
The major support cells of the brain, involved in the
nutrition and maintenance of nerve cells.
H
Herniated Disc
Extrusion of part of the nucleus pulposus material through
a defect in the annulus fibrosus.
Heterotopic Bone Formation
The occurrence of bone growth in an abnormal location.
Hook
For spinal applications, a metallic medical device used to
connect spinal structures to a rod.
Hydroxyapatite (HA)
The lattice-like structure of bone composed of calcium and
phosphorous crystals which deposits on collagen to provide the
rigid structure of bone.
I
Iliac Bone
A part of the pelvic bone that is above the hip joint and
from which autogenous bone grafts are frequently obtained.
Iliac Crest
The large, prominent portion of the pelvic bone at the belt
line of the body.
Immobilization
Limitation of motion or fixation of a body part usually to
promote healing.
Intervertebral Disc
See Disc (Intervertebral).
In vitro
Describing biological phenomena that are made to occur
outside the living body traditionally in a test tube). In vitro
is Latin for in glass.
In vivo
Within a living body. In vivo is Latin for in life.
Inferior
Situated below or directed downward.
Informed Consent
Consent of the patient who has received sufficient
information to have surgery, receive medication, or participate
in a clinical study.
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
A committee designated by an institution, Such as a
hospital, to review and approve research projects; e.g.,
clinical studies in that institution.
Internal Fixation
The immobilization of bone fragments or joints with
implants in order to promote healing or fusion.
Investigational Device Exemption (IDE)
A FDA regulatory status which permits the human use of an
unapproved medical device for the purposes of collecting
clinical data under strictly controlled conditions.
Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET)
– A new, experimental, minimally invasive treatment
of pain due to disc degeneration in which controlled levels of
thermal energy (heat) are applied to a degenerated disc
section.
Intradural
– Within or enclosed by the dura mater, which is the
tough, fibrous membrane that forms the outer layer of the
spinal cord and brain.
Intramedullary
–
Intramedullary Tumors
– Tumors that grow inside the spinal cord or
individual nerves
J
Joint
The junction or articulation of two or more bones that
permits varying degrees of motion between the bones.
K
Kyphoplasty
– a minimally invasive surgical technique that
creates a cavity in a vertebral body into which bone cement is
inserted in order to provide solid support for a collapsed or
damaged vertebra.
Kyphosis
An abnormal increase in the normal kyphotic curvature of
the thoracic spine.
L
Lamina
An anatomical portion of a vertebra. For each vertebra, two
lamina connect the pedicles to the spinous process as part of
the neural arch.
Laminectomy
and laminotomy An operation for removal of part or all of
the lamina of a vertebra. Commonly performed in order to be
able to remove an intervertebral disc protrusion or to
decompress a nerve root.
Laser
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
The device that produces a focused beam of light at a defined
wavelength that can vaporize tissue. In surgery, lasers can be
used to operate on small areas without damaging delicate
surrounding tissue.
Lateral
Situated away from the midline of the body.
Ligament
A band of flexible, fibrous connective tissue that is
attached at the end of a bone near a joint. The main function
of a ligament is to attach bones to one another, to provide
stability of a joint, and to prevent or limit some joint
motion.
Lordosis
An abnormal increase in the normal lordotic curvature of
the lumbar spine.
Lumbago
A non-medical term signifying pain in the lumbar
region.
Lumbar
The lower part of the spine between the thoracic region and
the sacrum. The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae.
M
Medial
Situated closer to the midline of the body.
Medical Device Report (MI)R)
The required reporting of' medical device complaints
involving a patient death, serious injury, or device
malfunction.
Meningiomas
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Surgery requiring small incision(s), usually performed with
endoscopic visualization.
N
Neurosurgery
The surgical specialty involved in the treatment of
disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral
nerves.
Nerve Root
The portion of a spinal nerve in close proximity to its
origin from the spinal cord.
Neural Arch
The bony arch of the posterior aspect of a vertebra that
surrounds the spinal cord, also referred to as the vertebral
arch.
Neurofibroma
Non-Union
Failure of the fragments of a fractured bone to heal or to
obtain bony fusion following an arthrodesis.
Nucleus Pulposus
The semi-gelatinous tissue in the center of an
intervertebral disc. It is surrounded and contained by the
annulus fibrosus which prevents this material from protruding
outside the disc space.
O
Orthopaedics (also Orthopedics)
The medical specialty involved in the preservation and
restoration of function of the musculoskeletal system that
includes treatment of spinal disorders and peripheral nerve
lesions.
Orthopaedic Implants
Medical devices used to replace or provide fixation of bone
or to replace articulating surfaces of a joint.
Ossification
The process of forming bone in the body,
Osteoporosis
A disorder in which bone is abnormally brittle, less dense,
and is the result of a number of different diseases and
abnormalities.
Osteosarcoma
– A primary cancer which arises from the bone-forming
cells and is most often seen in young people between 10 and 25
years of age.
P
Pathology
The study of disease states.
Pedicle
The part of each side of the neural arch of a vertebra. It
connects the lamina with the vertebral body.
Periosteum
A fibrous membrane that covers the surface of bone except
at the end of the bones where it is covered with cartilage as
part of a joint. In children, periosteum is involved in forming
new bone and molding the configuration of bone; and in the
adult, the periosteum forms new bone secondary to injury or
infection.
Physical Therapy
The treatment consisting of exercising specific parts of
the body such as the legs, arms, hands or neck, in an effort to
strengthen, regain range of motion, relearn movement and/or
rehabilitate the musculoskeletal system to improve
function.
Physiology
-The science of the functioning of living organisms, and of
their component systems or parts.
Posterior
Located behind a structure, such as relating to the back
side of the human body.
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
– The surgical removal of an intervertebral disc,
approaching the disc from the back side of it, after which bone
graft or metal cage implant is placed into the space in order
to create a spinal fusion.
Powered Surgical Instruments
Instruments which are powered by compressed air or
electricity and are used in surgical procedures to cut, drill,
or otherwise remove bone and cartilage, as well as to evacuate
fluids.
Pre-Clinical Studies
Tests occurring prior to clinical studies, usually in vitro
or in vivo involving animals. The purpose of these studies is
to determine the safety and efficacy of the test material.
Premarket Approval (PMA)
A regulatory method for gaining a marketing clearance from
the FDA for a Class III medical device. A company submits
information to the FDA that documents the safety and
effectiveness of the device.
Proximal
Nearest the center of the body.
Pseudoarthrosis (also Pseudarthrosis)
A form of non-union in which there is the formation of a
false joint with some cartilage covering the ends of the bones
and a cavity containing fluid that resembles a normal
joint.
Q
Quadriplegia
Paralysis of all four limbs.
R
Radiation Oncologist
A physician who specializes in the use of radiant
substances, such as x-rays and radioactive isotopes to diagnose
and treat diseases
.
Resection
The surgical removal of part of a structure, such as
bone.
Resorption
The removal of bone tissue by normal physiological process
or as part of a pathological process such as an infection.
Rod
In spinal applications, a slender, metal implant which is
used to immobilize and alien the spine.
Ruptured Disc
See Herniated Disc.
S
Sacrum
A part of the spine that is also part of the pelvis. It
articulates with the ilia at the sacroiliac joints and
articulates with the lumbar spine at the lumbosacral joint. The
sacrum consists of five fused vertebrae that have no
intervertebral discs.
Sagittal
Longitudinal.
Schwannomas
Sciatica
A lay term indicating pain alone the course of a sciatic
nerve, especially noted in the back of the thigh and below the
knee.
Scoliosis
Lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine.
Sepsis
A state of infection of tissue due to disease-producing
bacteria or toxins.
Skeleton
The rigid framework of bones that gives form to the body,
protects and supports the soft organs and tissues, and provides
attachments for muscles.
Spinal Canal
The bony channel that is formed by the intravertebral
foramen of the vertebrae and in which contains the spinal cord
and nerve roots.
Spinal Column
See Spine.
Spinal Cord
The longitudinal cord of nerve tissue that is enclosed in
the spinal canal. It serves not only as a pathway for nervous
impulses to and from the brain, but as a center for carrying
out and coordinating many reflex actions independently of the
brain.
Spinal Disc
See Disc (Intervertebral).
Spinal Fusion
A surgical procedure to permanently join bone by
interconnecting two or more vertebrae in order to prevent
motion (see Arthrodesis).
Spinal Instrumentation
– Metal devices such as rods, plates, screws, cables,
wires, etc. that are implanted in the spine to help correct
deformities or support the spine in order for a fusion to take
place.
Spinal Osteotomy
– A surgical procedure in which a vertebra is cut or
broken in order to permit a correction of a deformity. Metal
devices may be used to support the spine afterwards.
Spinal Stenosis
Reduction in the diameter of the spinal canal due to new
bone formation which may result in pressure on the spinal cord
or nerve roots.
Spine
The flexible bone column extending from the base of the
skull to the tailbone. It is made up of 33 bones, known as
vertebrae. The first 24 vertebrae are separated by discs known
as intervertebral discs, and bound together by ligaments and
muscles. Five vertebrae are fused together to form the sacrum
and 4 vertebrae are fused together to form the coccyx. The
spine is also referred to as the vertebral column, spinal
column, or backbone.
Spinous Process
The portion of the vertebrae that protrudes posteriorly
from the spinal column. The spinous processes create the
"bumps" felt on the midline of the back.
Spondylitis
Inflammation of vertebrae.
Spondylolisthesis
A defect in the construct of bone between the superior and
inferior facets with varying degrees of displacement so the
vertebra with the defect and the spine above that vertebra are
displaced forward in relationship to the vertebrae below, It Is
usually due to a developmental defect or the result of a
fracture.
Spondylolysis
Displacement of one vertebrae over another with fracture of
a posterior portion of the vertebra. A defect in the neural
arch between the superior and inferior facets of vertebrae
without separation at the defect and therefore no displacement
of the vertebrae. It may be unilateral or bilateral and is
usually due to a developmental defect but may be secondary to a
fracture.
Stainless Steel
Iron-based metal containing chromium that is highly
resistant to stain, rust, and corrosion. Certain grades of
stainless steel are commonly used to make surgical implants and
instruments.
Sterile
Free from living organisms.
Sterilization
The method used to render a material free from living
organisms. Usual methods include steam under pressure, gas, and
ionizing radiation.
Superior
Situated above or directed upward toward the head of an
individual.
T
Tendon
The fibrous band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. It
Is mainly composed of collagen.
Thoracic
The chest level region of the spine that is located between
the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. It consists of 12 vertebrae
which serve as attachment points for ribs.
Titanium
A metallic element used to make surgical implants.
Toxicology
The study of the toxic or harmful effects of substances on
the body.
Transforamenal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
Similar to PLIR, this is a surgical removal of an
intervertebral disc, approaching the disc from one or both
sides of the disc, after which bone graft or metal cage implant
is placed into the space in order to create a spinal
fusion.
Transplant
The implantation of bone tissue, as in grafting, from one
part of the body to another. Transplant also refers to the
transfer of an organ such as a kidney or heart from one
individual to another.
U
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Government agency that regulates all medical devices and
drugs.
V
Vagus Nerve
The tenth cranial nerve, which is a mixed nerve that has
both motor and sensory function.
Ventricle
Chambers within the brain that contain the cerebrospinal
fluid.
Vertebra
One of the 33 bones of the spinal column. A cervical,
thoracic, or lumbar vertebra has a cylindrically-shaped bony
anteriorly and a neural arch posteriorly (composed primarily of
the laminae and pedicles as well as the other structures in the
posterior aspect of the vertebra) that protects the spinal
cord. The plural of vertebra is vertebrae.
W
Wire
Metal thread available in various diameters and various
degrees of stiffness and is generally used in surgery to
transfix fractured bone.
X
Xenograft
A graft derived from one species for use in another
species.
Y
Z
NOTE: If you think we should add a new term/definition, or make a modification to an existing term/definition to our Spinal Disorders Related Glossary, contact us. Also, please state the source of your information.
