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S
SACCULAR ANEURYSM - A balloon-like outpouching of a vessel
(the more common type of aneurysm).
SACRAL - Five fused segments of the lower spine, below the
end of the spinal column, that connect to the pelvis and have
four formina on each side.
SACRAL AGENESIS - Absence, failure of formation, or imperfect
development of the lower portions of the spinal column and
pelvis.
SACRAL ALA - Lateral portions of the sacral bone.
SACRAL CYST - Abnormality in the spinal fluid sac in the sacrum.
SACRALGIA - Pain in the sacrum.
SACRALIZATION - Fusion of L-5 to the first segment of the
sacrum, so that the sacrum consists of six segments; with
this abnormality, it is called BERTOLOTTI syndrome.
SACRALIZED TRANSVERSE PROCES - One or both of the lumbar spinous
transverse processes abnormally joining with the sacrum; sacralization.
SACRODYNIA - Pain perceived to be in the area of the sacrum
but may originate elsewhere; referred pain.
SACROILITIS - Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. A very
painful, often one-sided sacral area pain that follows delivery,
is not due to sepsis, and will subside gradually and completely;
acute postpardum sacroilitis.
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.
SCALENUS - The deep lateral muscles of the anterior neck,
including anterior scalene m. (scalenus anticus), middle scalene
m. (scalenus medius), and posterior scalene m. (scalenus posticus).
SCAPULA - A large triangular flattened bone lying over the
ribs, posteriorly on either side.
SCHEUERMANN'S DISEASE - Inflammation of the anterior cartilage
of the bodies of the lower thoracic and upper segments, causing
pain in some older, growing children. There is more than 5
degrees of wedging of at least three adjacent vertebrae as
seen on radiographs.
SCHMORL NODES - Developmental change resulting in inferior
or superior extension of the intervertebral disc into the
vertebral bodies.
SCHOLLNER COSTOPLASTY - For rib deformity or scoliosis; multiple
rib partial excisions.
SCIATICA - A lay term indicating pain along the course of
a sciatic nerve, especially noted in the back of the thigh
and below the knee. Pain radiating down the sciatic nerve
into the posterior thigh and leg; can be caused by irritation
of a nerve anywhere from the back to the thigh.
SCOLIORACHITIS - Disease of the spine caused by rickets; abnormal
bone mineralization.
SCOLIOSIS - Lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine.
SCOTOMA - An area of decreased vision surrounded by an area
of less depressed or normal vision.
SCOTT - Use of cross-wire fixation transverse process to inferior
pedicle in stabilization of spondylolysis fusion.
SEDDON - Drainage of thoracic spinal abscess through anterolateral
approach with partial resection of rib.
SEGMENTAL INSTABILITY - Abnormal response to applied loads
characterized by motion in the motor segment beyond normal
constraints.
SEPSIS - A state of infection of tissue due to disease-producing
bacteria or toxins.
SEPTUM - A thin wall dividing two cavities or masses of softer
tissue.
SEQUESTRATION - Displaced material escapes as free fragment(s),
which may migrate elsewhere.
SHUNT - A tube or device implanted in the body (usually made
of Silastic) to redivert excess CSF away from the brain to
another place in the body.
SIMMONS - Use of keystoned-shaped graft in anterior fusion.
For cervical spinal kyphosis; a posterior osteotomy.
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.
SOUTHWICK - A posterior fusion with wire attaching bone graft
to the facet joints.
SPEED (KELLOGG SPEED) - For spondylolisthesis spine fusion
and anterior interbody fusion by using tibial cortical graft.
SPETZLER - Approach to anterior C-1 to C-3 by using a transoral
approach for fusion following excision of tumor.
SPINA BIFIDA - A congenital defect of the spine marked by
the absence of a portion of the spine.
SPINAL ACCESSORY NERVE (eleventh cranial) - The nerve from
the brainstem that supplies the sternocleidomastoid 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. The space between the vertebral body
anteriorly and the lamina and spinal process posteriorly.
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 - Operative method of strengthening and limiting
motion of the spinal column. Can be performed with a variety
of metal instruments and bone grafts, or bone grafts alone.
SPINAL STENOSIS - General term denoting narrowing of the spinal
canal in the lumbar area leading to nerve root compromise;
term often used for developmental abnormality that leaves
a narrow, bony canal. There are four subgroups of this condition:
achondroplastic stenosis,
constitutional stenosis, degenerative stenosis, and combined
stenosis.
SPINAL THALAMIC TRACT - The main tract of pain to the brain.
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.
The most posterior extension of the spine arising from the
laminae.
SPONDYLALGIA - Pain in vertebra(e).
SPONDYLARTHRITIS - Arthritis of the spine.
SPONDYLARTHROCACE - Tuberculosis of the spine; spondylocace.
SPONDYLEXARTHROSIS - Dislocation of a vertebra.
SPONDYLITIS - Inflammation of vertebrae, including types such
as ankylosing, rheumatoid, traumatic, spondylitis deformans,
Kümmel, and Marie-Strümpell d.
SPONDYLIZEMA - Depression or downward displacement of a vertebra,
with destruction or softening of one below it.
SPONDYLODYNIA - Pain in vertebra(e).
SPONDYLOEPIPHYSEAL DYSPLASIA - Disorder of growth affecting
both the spine and the ends of long bones.
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.
SPONDYLOMALACIA - Softening of vertebrae; Kümmell disease.
SPONDYLOPATHY - Any vertebral disorder.
SPONDYLOPYOSIS - Infection in vertebra(e).
SPONDYLOSCHISIS - Congenital fissure (splitting) of vertebral
arch.
SPONDYLOSIS - Ankylosis of the vertebra; often applied nonspecifically
to any lesion of the spine of a degenerative nature. Bony
replacement of ligaments around the disc spaces of the spine,
associated with decreased mobility and eventual fusion; marginal
osteophyte.
SPONDYLOSYNDESIS - Surgical immobilization or ankylosis by
fusion of the vertebral bodies with a short bone graft in
cases of tuberculosis of the spine; spondylodesis, Albee procedure.
SPONDYLOTOMY - Incision into a vertebra or vertebral column;
rachiotomy.
SPRAIN - An injury to a ligament when the joint is carried
through a range of motion greater than normal, but without
dislocation or 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.
STEFFEE PLATE - For posterolateral fusion fixation; plate
and screw device.
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.
STEREOTACTIC - Originated from the Greek words stereo meaning
three dimensional and tactos meaning touched and relating
to stereotaxy.
STEREOTAXY - A precise method of destroying deep-seated brain
structures located by use of three dimension coordinates.
STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY - The precise delivery of radiation
to a preselected stereotactically localized target.
STERILE - Free from living organisms. Relating to or characterized
by sterility.
STERILITY - In general, the incapability of fertilization
or reproduction.
STERILIZATION - The method used to render a material free
from living organisms. Usual methods include steam under pressure,
gas, and ionizing radiation.
STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID - Large externally visible muscle of the
anterior neck, enabling the head to turn to either side.
STERNUM - The breast bone; further divided into three segments.
manubrium: upper portion, proximal end; sternum: main portion;
xiphoid: the dagger-like tip of the sternum, distal end.
STRABISMUS - Deviation of eye movement which prevents the
two eyes from moving in a parallel fashion.
STRAIN - To injure by overuse or improper use.
STRAP MUSCLES - A general term applied to the ribbon-like
muscles in the anterior neck; they include omohyoid, sternhyoid,
sternthyroid, and thyrohyoid.
STRUCTURAL CURVE - A fixed lateral curve of the spinal column.
SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE - Blood in, or bleeding into, the
space under the arachnoid membrane, most commonly from trauma
or from rupture of an aneurysm.
SUBDURAL HEMATOMA - a collection of blood (clot) trapped under
the dura matter, the outermost membrane surrounding the brain
and spinal cord.
SUBLUXATION - An incomplete luxation or dislocation; though
a relationship is altered, contact between joint surfaces
remains.
SUPERIOR - Situated above or directed upward toward the head
of an individual
SURGERY - The branch of medicine concerned with the treatment
of disease, injury, and deformity by operation or manipulation.
The performance or procedures of an operation.
SYNDROME - The aggregate of signs and symptoms associated
with any morbid process, and constitution together the picture
of the disease.
SYRINGOMYELIA - A fluid filled cavity in the spinal cord.
Usually involving upper segments initially and involving the
shoulder muscles.
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T
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.
THORACIC CURVE - A spinal curvature with its apex between
the second and eleventh thoracic vertebrae.
THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME - Mechanical problem related to the
exit of arteries and nerves at the base of the neck leading
down the arm, and can also involve the vein bringing
blood back from the arm.
THORACOLUMBAR CURVE - A spinal curve with its apex at the
first lumbar or twelfth thoracic
curve.
THROMBUS - A blood clot attached to the wall of an artery.
THALAMUS - Brain cells which lie in the upper part of the
brainstem.
THORAX - The chest or rib cage; also refers to the space containing
the lungs and heart. There are 12 vertebral segments and ribs;
the lower two are called floating ribs.
TRACTION - The act of drawing or pulling, as by an elastic
or spring force. A pulling or dragging force exerted on a
limb in a distal direction.
TRACTION SPUR - Bony excrescence appearing on the anterolateral
surface of the vertebral body near but not at
TRANSVERSE PROCESS - Bony process arising from midportion
of the spinal ring just posterior to the pedicle and pars
interarticulars.
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V
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.
VERTEBRAL BODY - From a lateral view, it is the main rectangular
portion of the spine; from an overview, oval.
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W
WEDGING - Deformity of vertebral body, caused by trauma or
gradual collapse, resulting in wedgeshaped vertebra; can also
occur congenitally.
WERTHEIM BOHLMAN - For occipital cervical fusion; use of iliac
crest graft and wire fixation from occiput to C-2.
WHIPLASH - Poplar term for hyperextension-hyperflexion.
WHITECLIUD and LAROCCA - Anterior technique for cervical spine
fusion using fibular graft.
WILTSE - A bilateral lateral spine fusion for spondylolisthesis.
WILTSE PLATE - Screw plate device for posterior spinal stabilization.
WINTER - For hemivertebra deformity; anterior and posterior
approach with stabilization. Also a procedure for correction
of congenital kyphosis, by using an anterior approach and
strut bone grafts.
WIRE - Metal thread available in various diameters and various
degrees of stiffness and is generally used in surgery to transfix
fractured bone.
WISCONSIN (DRUMMOND) INTERSPINOUS SEGMENTAL SPINAL - Series
of wires, rods, and buttons for multisegmental spine stabilization.
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X
X-RAY - The ionizing electromagnetic radiation emitted from
a highly evacuated tube, resulting from the excitation of
the inner orbital electrons by the bombardment of the target
anode with a stream of electrons from a heated cathode. A
radiograph.
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Z
ZIELKE INSTRUMENTATION - A method of fixation.
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