A comprehensive, yet easy to understand, Glossary of Terms has been provided here by Dr Michael Wheeler, MD to help patients understand and navigate the complexities of spine treatment and surgery.
A
- Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): A surgical procedure that involves accessing the lumbar spine through the front of the body and replacing a damaged disc with a permanent cage or spacer.
- Artificial Disc Replacement: A surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or degenerated disc in the spine with an artificial disc implant.
C
- Cervical Disc Replacement: A surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or degenerated disc in the neck with an artificial disc implant.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A diagnostic imaging test that us computer technology to create detailed images of the structures inside the body. Great for evaluating bones and hardware.
D
- Degenerative Disc Disease: A condition in which the discs between the vertebrae in the spine degenerate and break down, leading to pain and other symptoms.
- Discectomy: A surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of a herniated or ruptured disc in the spine. Only the damaged part of the disc is removed.
E
- Electromyography (EMG): A diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves in the body.
- Endoscopic Discectomy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to remove a portion of a herniated or ruptured disc through a small incision.
F
- Facet Joint Injection: A procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication into the joints between the vertebrae in order to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Foraminotomy: A surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the bony structure around the opening where the spinal nerve roots exit the spinal column in order to relieve pressure on the nerves.
H
- Herniated Disc: A condition in which the soft inner material of a disc in the spine bulges out through a tear in the outer layer, causing pressure on nearby nerves and pain.
K
- Kyphoplasty: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves inflating a balloon-like device into a fractured vertebra, and then placing cement in the bone in order to restore its shape and provide stability.
L
- Laminectomy: A surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the bony arch, or lamina, of a vertebra in the spine to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
- Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF): A minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves accessing the lumbar spine through the side of the body and replacing a damaged disc with a large cage or spacer.
M
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A diagnostic imaging test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the structures inside the body. Great for evaluating soft tissues, discs, and nerves.
- Microdiscectomy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of a herniated or ruptured disc using specialized tools and a small incision.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: A surgical technique that uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to perform spinal surgery with less tissue damage and a faster recovery time.
- Myelogram: A diagnostic imaging test that involves injecting a dye into the spinal fluid in order to highlight any abnormalities in the spinal cord and nerves. Usually combined with a CT scan. An alternative to an MRI for patients who cannot get an MRI.
N
- Navigated Spinal Fusion: A surgical technique that uses computer-assisted guidance to precisely place screws, rods, and other implants in the spine.
- Neuropathy: A condition in which there is damage to the nerves that can cause pain, numbness, and other symptoms.
P
- Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): A surgical procedure that involves accessing the lumbar spine through the back of the body and replacing a damaged disc with a small cage on both sides
R
- Radiculopathy: A condition in which there is compression or irritation of one or more nerve roots, leading to pain, weakness, and other symptoms in someone’s arms or legs.
S
- Scoliosis Surgery: A surgical procedure that involves correcting the curvature of the spine caused by scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves and rotates.
- Spinal Cord Stimulator: A device that is implanted near the spinal cord and delivers electrical impulses to alleviate chronic pain in the back and limbs.
- Spinal Fusion: A surgical procedure that involves joining two or more vertebrae together in order to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain.
- Spinal Stenosis: A condition in which the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves and causing pain and other symptoms.
T
- Trans-foraminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): A surgical procedure that involves accessing the lumbar spine through the back (posterior) and placing a damaged disc with a bone graft or artificial implant on only one side.
X
- X-ray: A diagnostic imaging test that uses low levels of radiation to visualize the bones.