Glossary
- Bone Graft
- There are two kinds of bone grafts. Autograft bone is harvested from one place in a person and then transplanted to another location in the same person. Allograft bone is donated from one person and transplanted to another.
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
- The disc loses elasticity and flexibility. It tends to happen over time.
- Disc
- A fluid-filled, jelly-like cushion between the spine's vertebrae. Discs consist of a nucleus (soft center) and annulus (tough outer rings). Discs are named by vertebrae that surround it. (For instance, the L2-3 disc lies between the L2 and L3 vertebrae.
- Discectomy
- The surgical procedure that removes damaged disc material from between the vertebrae.
- Fusion
- The joining or healing of bones in a permanent manner that restricts movement.
- Incision
- A cut made through the skin and into the body during surgery.
- Pedicle
- A stem-like area on the back of the vertebra that connects its main part to the lamina that projects from it. There are two pedicles on each vertebra.
- Pedicle Screw System
- A system of screws and rods that holds the vertebrae stable until fusion occurs.
- Scoliosis
- A condition by which there is a sideways curve to the spine.
- Spinal Fusion Surgery
- A procedure to restore and maintain the space between the vertebrae by stabilizing the bones until they can grow together.
- Spine
- The bony column from the base of the skull to the tailbone. Five regions of vertebrae make up the spine: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx.
- Stenosis
- Describes the condition where the spinal canal narrows and presses on the nerve.
- Vertebra
- One of 33 bones that constitute the spine. Vertebra are identifed by number in the region it is located. For instance, L3 is the fifth vertebra in the lumbar region.