| Annulus Fibrosus: |
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A series of oblique collagen bundles that make up the outer portion of the disc.
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| Anterior: |
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The front portion of the vertebral column or body.
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| Anterior Longitudinal Ligament: |
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The ALL is a strong 1-2mm thick band that consists of dense collagen fibers that attach to the intervertebral disc.
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| Atlas: |
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The atlas or first vertebral body is also known as C1. The atlas makes up the occipital-atlanto-axial complex better known as C0-C1-C2.
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| Axis: |
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The axis or second vertebral body is also known as the epitrophysis. It is characterized by a dens or odontoid process that projects upward from the body of C2 to articulate with the posterior aspect of the anterior arch of C1 also known as the atlas.
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| Cervical Vertebrae: |
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The cervical vertebrae consist of 7 vertebral bodies that comprise the cervical spine (C1-C7).
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| Degenerative Disc Disease: |
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Sometimes referred to as DDD. DDD is the normal wear and tear process of aging on your spine.
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| Disc Herniation: |
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Described as a protrusion, extrusion or sequestration of the disc.
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| End Plates: |
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Consisting of Hyaline Cartilage that covering each side of the vertebral body. This is the anatomic limit of the disc.
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| Facets: |
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Facets are the superior and inferior articular processes that arise near the junction between the pedicles and the laminae. The facets provide for articulation with the adjacent vertebrae. The superior articular facets are concave and face postero-medially. The inferior articular facets are convex and face antero-laterally.
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| Intervertebral Disc: |
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Lie between the superior and inferior bodies from C2-S1. The fifth lumbar vertebra has an especially thick disc. The discs contribute to 20-25% of the vertebral column. Each disc contains an inner nucleus pulposus, an outer annular fibrosis and limiting cartilage end plates.
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| Laminae: |
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Flat narrow laminae project postero-medially fusing with each other to form the spinous process.
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| Lumbar Vertebrae: |
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The lumbar vertebrae consist of 5 kidney shaped bodies that comprise the lumbar spine (L1-L5). The lumbar vertebral bodies are flat with end plates parallel to each other. L5 is the largest of all lumbar bodies.
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| Myelopathy: |
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The narrowing of the spinal canal due to congenital and degenerative changes.
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| Nucleus Pulposus: |
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Soft hydrophilic central region with three dimensional lattices of collagen fibers. Glycoaminoglycans enable the disc to retain its fluid. As the gelatinous material is gradually replaced by fibro cartilage the mechanical behavior of the disc changes.
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| Osteoporosis: |
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A metabolic bone disorder characterized by decreased amounts of normal quality bone. Commonly found in post-menopausal females. Underlying conditions include; steroid use, alcoholism, and malignancy.
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| Pedicles: |
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Short, thick, rounded processes extending posterior from the upper third postero-lateral body. The pedicles are grooved above and below forming a shallow and deep inferior notch.
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| Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: |
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The Posterior Longitudinal Ligament is a strong band supporting the posterior aspect of the vertebral column. The continuity of the PLL and the ALL is an important part of assessing vertebral column injuries.
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| Radiculopathy: |
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Sometimes called neurogenic pain, it is perceived in the legs or arms leading to the term radicular pain. Radicular pain is a common problem that results when nerve roots are compressed or irritated.
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| Sacrum: |
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The sacrum is made up of five (5) fused bones and entails the coccyx.
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| Sciatica: |
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A clinical term used to describe radicular pain, usually in the distribution of the L5-S1 nerve root.
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| Spinal Stenosis: |
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A narrowing of the spinal canal’s dimensions thought to arise as a result of degenerative changes.
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| Spondylolisthesis: |
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A subluxation between vertebrae. A Spondylolisthesis is forward slip of the upper vertebrae with respect to the lower vertebrae. Spondylolisthesis is described according to what levels are involved the direction of displacement and the degree. Ex: Grade 1, 2, 3 and 4. Degenerative Spondylolisthesis usually occurs at L4-L5 and is usually due to wear at the disc and facet joint. Presentation is usually back pain and spinal stenosis.
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| Spondylolysis: |
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Displacement of one vertebra over another with fracture of a posterior portion of the vertebra. A defect in the neural arch between the superior and inferior facets of the vertebrae without separation at the defect and no displacement of the vertebrae.
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| Vertebral Arch: |
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Also referred to as the Posterior Neural Arch, the arch is made up of the pedicles, laminae, facet joints, spinous process and transverse processes. The arch protects the spinal foramen and the spinal chord.
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| Vertebral Column: |
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The vertebral column is made up of 29 vertebrae, 7 Cervical (C1-C7), 12 Thoracic (T1-T12) and 5 Lumbar (L1-L5).
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| Vertebral Body: |
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The vertebral body is made up of the vertebral body and the posterior vertebral arch.
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