Term

Definition

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Anterior

The front portion of the anatomical structure

Bone spur

A buildup of bone at the edge of a structure; It is often near a joint and when near a nerve can impinge on it

Bulging disc

A disc that is outside of its normal position. Often the capsule holding the disc in the disc space stretches or tears and the disc cartilage can bulge out and this stretching of the capsule and bulge can be a source of pain

Cervical Spine

This is the upper portion of the spine and connects the skull to the thoracic or mid-spine. In its center is the spinal cord and nerves exit to go to the neck and arms and upper chest. It is the area people most commonly associate with whiplash

Contained disc herniation

When a disc protrudes slightly and that protrusion is held in check by the posterior spinal ligament, it is referred to as a contained disc herniation. It is often confused with a bulging disc and generally is almost the same, but this term is used the doctor feels the disc problem is a more convincing source of symptoms.

Disc-- intervertebral

This is the cartilaginous structure that is between vertebrae and acts like a cushion until about age 25. It is a connector of the vertebrae as well. There are many in the human spinal column.

Foramen-- i.e., stenosis

The hole along the side of the spine where the nerve exits to proceed into another body part, i.e., arm or leg. This is a critical location as it is often at this spot that nerves are trapped or pinched.

Kyphoplasty

A procedure to stabilize and possibly reduce a vertebral compression fracture acquired form osteoporosis, injury, or tumor

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Laser

Light that is magnified and amplified so it can be directed and used for medical and other purposes. Different substances are used to amplify light such as holmium, carbon dioxide, ruby, etc.

Holmium

The metalized gas used to magnify light energy and create laser energy

Herniation

An intervertebral disc is held in place by vertebrae and ligaments (annulus). If this ligament stretches, tears, or ruptures the cartilaginous element can leave this space and impinge on the nearby nerve, spinal cord, etc.

Protruded disc

There are many terms used for abnormal discs: protruding, herniated, and bulging. The terms basically refer to the same thing with the variance in the amount of protrusion. Bulging is the least and herniation or protrusion is the most prominent

Lamina

The roof of the spine... in the center of it is the spinous process. The lamina protects the spinal cord and nerves and permits the powerful back muscles to attach to the spine

Ligament

This soft tissue often is a thick band that connects bones.

Laminectomy

A surgery that removes the roof of the spine.

Nerves

The human body is wired with miles of nerves that connect the brain to muscles, skin, and all of our organs. The largest one is the sciatic nerve which is found in the buttock and connects the spine to the muscles in the leg

Neuro-endoscope

This is mini-periscope that allows surgeons to look inside the body and apply treatments, do biopsies, and see how things are healing.

Posterior

The rear portion of an anatomical structure. This is the opposite side of anterior

Spinal cord

This is the extension of the brain into the spinal column. It is like a very thick cable with nerves, ganglions, and nerve cells. It is encased by the spine and protected by it. One of the bodies most critical structures

Spinal Fusion

A fusion is a permanent bonding of two structures, like a weld. In the spine this occurs when two vertebrae or more are joined by bone and reinforced by fixation (as times). The adjacent graphic shows the use of a stimulation device to enhance the probability of fusion.

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Vertebroplasty

This is a reconstructive process for vertebral compression fractures where NO balloon is used. The bone cement is injected into the fracture to stabilize it.

Vertebra

The building block bone of the spine. They are divided into areas-- cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral.