spine terms/definitions

Burst Fracture: A severe compression of the spinal vertebrae that causes it to crush in all directions.

Compression Fracture: A break in the bone or cartilage commonly caused by a traumatic event that forcefully presses the bones or cartilage together.

Disc Bulge: A degenerative condition where the discs are unable to hold their normal cotton ball shape and the surface of the disc pushes outward.

Discectomy: Surgical removal of the affected section of the disc that is pressing on a nerve root or portion of the spinal cord.

Facet-arthropathy: Degeneration and arthritis of the facet joint.

Herniation: A disc that bulges abnormally or ruptures.

Instability: Abnormal movement/motion in the spine.

Kyphosis: A curvature of the spine that is normal in the thoracic spine and sacrum. If the curvature becomes exaggerated it is also used to refer to a progressive spinal disorder that results in a "hunchback" posture.

Lordosis: A curvature of the spine that is normal in the cervical and lumbar areas. Excessive curvature may cause a swayback appearance in the lumbar spine or abnormal curvature in the neck.

Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Slipping of one vertebrae onto another.

Myleopathy: May be asymptomatic, but symptoms are commonly caused by spinal cord compression and involve loss of hand control, feeling of heaviness in hands or legs, or stiffness and/or unsteadiness walking.

Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL): Progressive disease that causes calcium to be deposited in the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL). Excessive calcium causes the ligament to harden and may cause compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Protrusion: Type of disc herniation where the center of the disc pushes out through a defect in the disc's surface.

Radiculopathy: Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels down the arm(s) or leg(s).

Spinal Fusion: A major surgical procedure that fuses two or more vertebrae. A bone graft and metal implants are used to secure and stabilize the spine.

Spondylosis: Osteoarthritis of the spine that may cause narrowing of the spine (stenosis).

Stenosis: Narrowing of spaces within the spine.