Body Part - Spine
DISC OSTEOPHYTE COMPLEX
Usually refers to arthritis in the cervical (neck) or thoracic (mid-back) region. Is composed of both disc material and bone spurs. Often it is difficult to tell the difference between bone and disc on MRI. This can cause stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal and could compress or impinge the spinal cord.
DISC PROTRUSION
A focal outpouching of the disc usually as wide as it is long. It can point towards the center of the spinal canal or towards the sides where the nerves are located.
DISTAL
Far end of something. Towards the feet. The opposite of proximal which is towards the head.
END-PLATE
The piece of the vertebral bone located immediately next to the disc. When the disc is narrowed from arthritis, the end-plates start rubbing on each other and the bone reacts with inflammation and fluid. Think of arthritis of the spine.
ENTHESOPHYTE
A small bony spur that forms over bone. Is usually seen as a part of arthritis.
FACET
Is a joint consisting of two pieces of bone towards the back of the spine. Often they become “hypertrophied” or thickened as part of the aging process and arthritis. Along with a thickened ligamentum flavum, they contribute to a narrowing or stenosis of the spinal canal.
FACETECTOMY
A surgical procedure that removes the facet bones.
FACETITIS
In infection of the facet joints.
FACETOTOMY
A surgical procedure that cuts or removes a small portion of the facet bones.
FAR LATERAL DISC HERNIATION
The disc is directed along the very side of the spine and may, but often not, compress or impinge on a nerve.
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