Glossary
- DISC
- The intervertebral disc - cartilaginous cushion found between the vertebrae of the spinal column. It may bulge beyond the vertebral body and compress the nearby nerve root, causing pain. The terms slipped disc, ruptured disc and herniated disc are often used interchangeably even though there are subtle differences.
- DISC DEGENERATION
- The loss of the structural and functional integrity of the disc.
- DISC SPACE INFECTION
- Infection in the space normally occupied by an intervertebral disc.
- DISCECTOMY
- Surgical removal of part or all of an intervertebral disc material placing pressure on neural elements.
- DISCITIS
- Nonbacterial inflammation of an intervertebral disc or disc space.
- DISKOGRAM
- The graphic record, usually radiographic, of diskography.
- DISKOGRAPHY
- Radiographic demonstration of intervertebral disc by injection of contrast media into the nucleus of the pulposus.
- DISLOCATION
- Displacement of an organ or any part; specifically disturbance or disarrangement of the normal relation of the bones entering the formation of a joint.
- DISTAL
- Situated away from the center of the body.
- DOME
- The round balloon like portion of the aneurysm which usually arises from the artery from a smaller portion called the neck of the aneurysm.
- DOPPLER
- A non-invasive study which uses sound waves to show the flow in a blood vessel and can be used to determine the degree of narrowing (percent stenosis) of the vessel. A wand is placed on the skin over the vessel to be imaged. This study has no risks and is not painful.
- DORSAL COLUMN
- The main, normal sensory tract to the brain.
- DORSAL LATERAL COLUMN
- The main tract of position and tone to the brain.
- DORSOLATERAL
- An approach to the dorsal spine by costotransversectomy, usually done for fractures and other affections of the spinal cord.
- DOUBLE CURVE
- Two lateral curves in a single spine; double major curve is two lateral curves of equal magnitude, and double thoracic curve is two thoracic curves.
- DUNN
- For myelomeningocele spinal deformity; use of contouring L-rod for posterior stabilization.
- DURA
- Dura mater.
- DURA MATER
- A tough fibrous membrane which covers the brain and spinal cord, but is separated from them by a small space.
- DURAL
- Pertaining to the dura.
- DWYER
- Anteriorly placed screws and band device for correction of spinal deformities.
- DWYER-HARTSILL
- For failed lumbar degenerative disc disease; pedicle screws wired to a rectangular frame along with posterolateral fusion.
- DYSESTHESIA
- A condition in which a disagreeable sensation is produced by ordinary touch, temperature or movement.
- DYSPHASIA
- Difficulty in the use of language due to a brain lesion without mental impairment.
- DYSPLASTIC
- Congenital abnormalities of the arch of the sacrum or the arch of L-5 that permit the slipping to occur.
- DYSRAPHISM
- Any failure of closure of the primary neural tube. This general category would include the disorder myelomeningocele.
- DYSTONIA MUSCULORM DEFORMANS
- An affliction occurring especially in children, marked by muscular contractions producing distortions of the spin and hips.
- EDEMA
- An excessive accumulation of fluid generally in extracellular.
- EDWARDS
- A posterior rod and sleeve device used in stabilization of traumatic spinal conditions.
- EGGSHELL
- Excavation of vertebral body for correction of deformity that is combined with spinal fusion.
- ELECTROENCEPHALOPGRAHY (EEG)
- The study of the electrical currents set up by brain actions; the record made is called an electroencephalogram.
