Body Part - Spine
CERVICAL
The vertebrae in the neck. Is composed of 7 cervical vertebrae.
COMPRESSION
A loss of vertebral height which can be related to a recent (acute) or old (chronic) process such as a fracture. This can be mild (less than 20%) or severe (more than 80%). Please see “vertebra” and “vertebral body”.
CONUS MEDULLARI
The very tip or ending of the spinal cord. Usually it ends at the mid to upper Lumbar spine.
CORD
Also known as the spinal cord. Is an extension of the grey and white matter of the brain into the spinal column. It carries the nerves that help to provide sensation and movement to your limbs.
CORD COMPRESSION
A process that presses on the spinal cord. It is often related to arthritis and disc material pushing on the spinal cord. It can be related to anything pushing the cord such as bone, infection, tumor, etc. This is considered an urgency where you should see a surgeon sooner than later.
DEFORMITY
An abnormal appearance. Usually implies that a vertebra is abnormal or crushed.
DEXTROCONVEX
A curvature of the spine to the right. “Dextro” is Latin for right. Is a type of scoliosis.
DISC
The piece of tissue between the spinal bones, or vertebrae. It provides the “cushion” between bones and is affected by arthritis.
DISC BULGE
A wide, long outpouching of the disc. Think of your santa claus’ belly sqeezing into a tight belt!
DISC EXTRUSION
A disc that is longer than it is wide. Think of toothpaste squeezing out of the tube.
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