PAIN - An unpleasant sensation associated with actual or potential tissue damage, and mediated by specific nerve fibers to the brain where its conscious appreciation may be modified by various factors. PAPILLEDEMA - Swelling of the optic nerve head, can be seen in the back of the retina during eye examination. PARAPLEGIA - Paralysis of the lower part of the body including the legs. PARAVERTEBRAL MUSCLE SPASM - Spasm in the muscles on either side of the spinous processes (midline of the back); the term may be used to describe a physical finding or improperly used to define a disease process. PARIETAL LOBE - The middle portion of each cerebral hemisphere. PARS INTERARTICULARS - The posterior continuation of the spinal arch from the pedicle; the superior and inferior facets are connected to each other by the pars interarticulars. PATHOLOGIC - Generalized or localized bone disease is present. PATHOLOGY - The study of disease states. PECTORAL (also PECTORALIS) - Relating to the chest. PEDICLE -The part of each side of the neural arch of a vertebra. It connects the lamina with the vertebral body. The first portion of the posterior spine arising from 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. PERITONEAL CAVITY - Body cavity in which the abdominal organs are situated. PHRENIC NERVE - Nerve arising from three cervical nerve roots (C-3 to C-5); supplies the diaphragm. PHYSICAL - Relating to the body, as distinguished from the mind. 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. PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME - A clinical diagnosis based on complaints of pain and abnormal sensations in the buttocks region with extension into the hips and posterior thigh as would be seen in sciatica. PITUITARY - Gland at base of the brain which secretes hormones into the blood stream. Those hormones then regulate other glands including the thyroid, adrenals and gonads. The "Master Gland". PLATYSMA - Thin outermost muscle layer of the anterior neck. PLEXITIS - Inflammation of the plexus. PLEXUS - A network or interjoining of nerves and blood vessels or of lymphatic vessels. POLYNEURITIS - Inflammation of two or more nerves simultaneously. PORENCEPHALY - Abnormal cavity within brain tissue, usually resulting from outpouching of a lateral ventricle. POSTERIOR - The back of the body or situated nearer the back of the body. POSTERIOR APPROACH - Used for laminectomies and spinal fusions at any level; Hibbs, Wagoner. POSTERIOR CERVICAL SPINAL FUSION - Spinal fusion done from the back, using the lamina, facets, and spinous processes of the neck. POSTERIOR NECK MUSCLES - Splenius, spinalis, and semispinalis. POSTERIOR FOSSA - The internal base of the skull. POSTERIOR LUMBAR SPINAL FUSION - Spinal fusion done from the back using the lamina, the facets, and spinous processes of the lower back. POSTERIOR SPINAL FUSION - A fusion of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions primarily fusing the lamina and sometimes the facet joints, using iliac or other bone graft. POSTERIOR SPINAL MUSCLE SEGMENTS - Upper and lower posterior serratus m., spinalis m., semispinalis m., and rotators. POSTEROLATERAL (P/L) - Behind and to one side, specifically to the outer side. POSTEROLATERAL INTERBODY FUSION (PLIF) - Lumbar spine fusion that involves an interbody fusion accomplished through the posterior approach. POSTEROLATERAL FUSION - A fusion of both the lamina and transverse process, using the iliac bone for graft, usually in the lower lumbar and first sacral segments. POST-ICTAL - State following a seizure, often characterized by altered function of the limbs and/or mentation. POSTURE - The position of the limbs or the carriage of the body as a whole. POTT d - Tuberculosis of the spine, usually in the lower thoracic segments. 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 NOTIFICATION [510(k)] - A regulatory method for gaining clearance from the FDA to market a device. The FDA is petitioned by a company to determine if a particular medical device is "substantially equivalent" to a device which was commercially available prior to May 28, 1976. This method usually applies to Class I or II medical devices. 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. PRONATOR - A muscle which turns a part into the prone position. PROPRIOCEPTION - Sensation concerning movements of joints and position of the body in space. PROSTHESIS - An artificial body part such as an artificial leg or arm. The term prosthesis is also used to describe some of the implants used in the body such as a hip or knee replacement device. PROTRUSION - Displaced nuclear material causes a discrete bulge in the annulus, but no material escapes through the annular fibers. PROXIMAL - Nearest the center of the body. PSEUDOTUMOR CEREBRI - Raised intracranial pressure, usually causing only headache and papilledema. No clear underlying structural abnormality. 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. PSEUDOCLAUDUCATION - Increased pain and decreased strength in lower limbs associated with physical activity. Complaints are similar to those caused by insufficient blood supply to the limb but are caused by diminished blood supply to the nerves in a narrowed spinal canal. PUPIL - The black part of the eye through which light enters; enlarges in dim light and decreases in size in bright light. PYRAMIDAL TRACT - Carries the voluntary muscle messages from the brain.
QUADRANTANOPIA - Defect in vision or blindness in one fourth of the visual field.
QUADRATUS LUMBORUM - A muscle lateral to the iliopsoas muscle of the spine running from the lower ribs to the ilium.
QUADRIPLEGIA - Paralysis of all four limbs.
RACHIALGIA - Pain in the vertebral column.
RACHICENTESIS - Lumbar puncture for examination of the spinal fluid; rachiocentesis.
RACHIOCAMPSIS - Curvature of the spine.
RACHIOCHYSIS - Effusion of fluid within the vertebral canal.
RACHIOKYPHOSIS - Humpbacked curvature of spine; kyphosis.
RACHIOMYELITIS - Inflammation of the spinal cord.
RACHIOPARALYSIS - Paralysis of the spinal muscles.
RACHIOPATHY - Any disease of the spine.
RACHIOPLEGIA - Spinal paralysis.
RACHIOSCOLIOSIS - Lateral curvature of the spine.
RACHIOTOMY - Incision into a vertebral canal for exploration.
RACHISAGRA - Pain or gout in the spine.
RACHISCHISIS - Abnormal congenital opening of the vertebral column.
RACHITOMY - Surgical or anatomic opening of the vertebral canal.
RADICULECTOMY - Excision of a rootlet or resection of spinal nerve roots.
RADICULOPATHY - Disease of the nerve roots in or near the spinal canal as a result of direct pressure from a disc, or inflammation of the nerve roots due to disc or spinal joint disease.
RADIATION ONCOLOGIST - A medical doctor who has received advanced training in the treatment of persons receiving x-ray treatment for an illness.
RADIATION PHYSICIST - A person having a PhD degree who is trained in the science dealing with the properties, changes and interactions of continuous energy.
RADICLE - A rootlet or structure resembling one, a minute veinlet joining with others to form a vein.
RADICULAR - Relating to the radicle.
RADIOLOGIST - A medical doctor who has received specialized training in interpreting x-rays, CTs, MRIs and performing angiography.
RADIOTHERAPY - Treatment of a lesion with radiation.
RADIUS - The lateral and shorter of the two bones of the foreman.
RECOMBINANT HUMAN PROTEINS proteins developed by isolating a human protein and using recombinant DNA technology to produce genetically engineered proteins that act like natural proteins.
REFERRED PAIN - Sclerotomic in distribution and felt distant from its origin (e.g., bursitis in the shoulder produces pain in the lateral arm, and sciatic-like leg pain can be referred from the lower-back area).
REFLEX - An involuntary reaction in response to a stimulus applied to the periphery and transmitted to the nervous centers in the brain or spinal cord.
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.
RETROLISTHESIS - Posterior displacement of the vertebra on the one below.
REVERSAL of CERVICAL LORDOSIS - Change in the normal curvature of the cervical spine as seen on lateral radiograph. This is usually a straightening of the normal lordotic curve or an actual reversal and is most commonly caused by muscle spasm, indicating cervical disc abnormality.
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS - generalized inflammatory joint disease.
RHIZOTOMY - Division of the roots of the spinal nerves.
RISSER - For scoliosis deformity; particular attention to fusion of facet joints and use of cast stabilization.
ROAF, KIRKALDY-WILLIS, and CATTERO - Drainage of thoracic spinal abscess through dorsolateral approach.
ROBINSON and RILEY - An extensive anterior approach for fusion of C-1 to C-3 or lower.
ROD - In spinal applications, a slender, metal implant which is used to immobilize and alien the spine.
ROGER FUSION - Posterior cervical using iliac cortical and cancellous grafts.
ROGOZINSKI - A combined anteroposterior device used in correction of spinal deformities.
ROOT - The primary or beginning point of any part, as of a nerve at its origin from the brainstem or spinal cord.
ROOT SLEEVE FIBROSIS - Scar tissue surrounding a nerve in the spinal canal or neural foramen; epineural fibrosis. If it is within the nerve, it is called intraneural fibrosis.
ROUNDIND of the CRANIAL BORDER - Relationship of the height to the width of the rounded portion of the superior sacrum.
ROY-CAMILLE - For stabilization between the skull and C-2; posterior bone graft with wire and parallel vertical screw plate fixation from occiput to C-3. Posterior pedicle screw and plate device for spinal stabilization.
RUDIMENTARY RIBS - Nubbins of ribs seen below the level where the last rib normally occurs.
RUPTURED DISC - See Herniated Disc.
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.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT SYNDROME - Complex of symptoms often seen in cervical sprain conditions. Symptoms include clicking in the jaw on opening and closing the mouth, soreness in the jaw, headaches, buzzing sounds, changes in hearing, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, dizziness, and swallowing disorders.
TENDON - The fibrous band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. It is mainly composed of collagen.
TENDONITIS - Inflammation of a tendon.
TENSION - The act of stretching. The condition of being stretched or tense, or a stretching or pulling force.
TENTORIUM CEREBELLI - The process of the dura matter between the cerebrum and cerebellum supporting the occipital lobes.
TERATOMA - Tumor or growth made up of several different types of tissue (fat, bone, muscle, skin).
TEXAS SCOTTISH RITE HOSPITAL - Instrumentation used anteriorly and posteriorly.
THIRD PARTY PAYOR - The source of reimbursement or payment of charges for medical services when the patient does not make direct payment: i.e. payments made by insurance companies, government agencies or employers. The patient and the doctor represent the two other parties in third party pay arrangements.
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.
THYROID CARTILAGE - Widening expanses of cartilage above the trachea, the top marks the level of C-4, the bottom C-5.
THYROID GLAND - Near the "Adam's apple;" responsible for secretion of hormone that is involved in regulation of the rate of metabolism.
TIC DOULOUREUX - (See trigeminal neuralgia).
TISSUE - A collection of similar cells and the intercellular substances surrounding them.
TITANIUM - A metallic element used to make surgical implants.
TORTICOLLIS - A contraction, often spasmodic, of the muscles of the neck, chiefly those supplied by the spinal accessory nerve; the head is drawn to one side and usually rotated so that the chin points to the other side.
TOXICOLOGY - The study of the toxic or harmful effects of substances on the body.
TRACHEA - The windpipe.
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 the body margin that arises as a result of disc degeneration.
TRACTOTOMY - Surgical section of a fiber tract of the central nervous system.
TRANQUILIZER - A drug that promotes tranquility by calming, soothing, quieting, or pacifying without sedating or depressant effects.
TRANSFORAMINAL LUMBAR INTERBODY FUSION (TLIF) - an operation where the lumbar spine is approached through an incision in the back. A portion of bone and disc are removed from the spine and replaced with an implant that is inserted into the disc space.
TRANSITIONAL VERTEBRA - Vertebra whose structure features some of the characteristics of the two adjacent vertebra. A common example is the fifth lumbar vertebra that has partial sacral components.
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.
TRANSSPHENOIDAL APPROACH - Operative method of reaching the pituitary gland or skull base traversing the nose and sinuses.
TRANSVERSE - Crosswise; lying across the long axis of the body or of a part.
TRANSVERSE PROCESS - Bony process arising from midportion of the spinal ring just posterior to the pedicle and pars interarticulars.
TRAUMATIC - Results from fracture in other areas of the bony hook than in pars interarticularis.
TRIANGLES - For surgical approaches and other considerations, the anterior half of the neck is divided into triangles- anterior, digastric, posterior, submental, and carotid.
TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA - Paroxysmal pain in the face. Pain may be so severe that it causes an involuntary grimace or "tic". (Tic Douloureux).
TSULI - For severe cervical spondylosis; an expansive, multiple laminectomy.
TUMOR - Any swelling or tumefaction.
TWELFTH CRANIAL NERVES - See other nerves.
ULNA - The medial and the larger of the two bones of the forearm.
ULTRASOUND - The use of high-frequency sound to create images of internal body structures.
U.S. FOOD and DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) - Government agency that regulates all medical devices and drugs.
VAGUS NERVE -The tenth cranial nerve, which is a mixed nerve that has both motor and sensory function. The long nerve in the anterior neck traveling with the carotid artery; responsible for many organ functions in the chest and abdomen.
VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION (VNS) - Therapy for epilepsy which applies small electrical pulses to the vagus nerve in the neck which regulates internal organs. This therapy is used in patients suffering from partial epilepsy who have failed traditional drug therapy.
VALVE - Device placed in a shunt system to regulate the rate and direction of CSF flow.
VASCULAR - Relating to or containing blood vessels.
VASOCONSTRICTION - A decrease in the diameter of blood vessels.
VASODILATATION - An increase in the diameter of blood vessels.
VASOPRESSIN - A hormone secreted by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary which raises blood pressure and increases reabsorption of water by the kidneys.
VASOPRESSOR - An agent which constricts the arteries and raises blood pressure.
VASOSPASM - Spasm of blood vessels, decreasing their diameter.
VENTRICLE - The cavities or chambers within the brain which contain the cerebrospinal fluid. There are two lateral ventricles and midline third and fourth ventricles.
VENTRICULITIS - Inflammation and/or infection of the ventricles.
VENTRICULOGRAM - An X-ray study of the ventricles.
VENTRICULOSTOMY - An opening into the ventricles of the brain, such as by inserting a small, thin, hollow catheter.
VENTRICULAR DRAINAGE - Insertion of a small tube into the ventricles to drain cerebrospinal fluid, usually when pressure is increased.
VENTRICULOSTOMY -The surgical opening in a ventricle of the brain to drain cerebrospinal fluid, especially in hydrocephalus.
VERMIS - Middle part of the cerebellum between the two hemispheres.
VERMONT (KRAG) - Posteriorly placed internal fixation device.
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.
VERTIGO - An abnormal sensation of rotation or movement of one's self, or the environment.
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.
XENOGRAFT - A graft derived from one species for use in another species.
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.