Glossary
- KNODT DISTRACTION ROD
- For distraction stabilization of thoracic and lumbar spine.
- KOSTUICK-HARRINGTON
- Anteriorly placed device for spinal deformity correction.
- KYPHECTOMY
- For kyphotic deformity in myelodysplasia; excision of kyphotic portion of lumbar spine combined with spinal fixation.
- KYPHOSCOLIOSIS
- Lateral curvature of the spine associated with forward inclination of the spine.
- KYPHOSIS
- An abnormal increase in the normal kyphotic curvature of the thoracic spine. Round shoulder deformity, humpback, dorsal curvature; may refer to any forward-bending area or deformity of the spine.
- LABYRINTH
- The internal ear, comprising the semi-circular canals, vestibule and cochlea.
- LAMINA
- The flattened or arched part of the vertebral arch, forming the roof of the spinal canal. The posterior part of the spinal ring that covers the spinal cord or nerves.
- LAMINECTOMY
- Excision of one or more laminae of the vertebrae. Removal of the lamina, the bony element covering the posterior portion of the spinal canal.
- LAMINOPLASTY
- The lamina are hinged laterally opened like a door, and secured in their new position with suture or bone to enlarge the spinal canal.
- LAMINOTOMY
- An opening made in a lamina. Formation of a hole in the lamina without disrupting the continuity of the entire lamina to approach the intervertebral disc or neural structures.
- LAPAROSCOPY
- a form of minimally invasive surgery using a type of endoscope known as a laproscope. The technique allows surgeons to perform procedures without making major incisions that can lead to long recovery times.
- LASER
- Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The device that produces a focused beam of light at a defined wavelength that can vaporize tissue. In surgery, lasers can be used to operate on small areas without damaging delicate surrounding tissue.
- LATERAL
- Situated away from the midline of the body.
- LATERAL MASS
- The lateral expansion of the spinal ring in the cervical spine, consisting of the facet joints and intervening bone as well as a tunnel through which the vertebral artery travels in the second through fifth cervical vertebra.
- LEEDS
- For scoliosis, segmental wiring of a contoured square-ended Harrington rod.
- LEPTOMENINGES
- Two thin layers of fine tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (The pia mater and arachnoid).
- LEPTOMENINGITIS
- Inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
- LEPTOMENINGOPATHY
- Disease of the arachnoid or pia matter of the brain and spinal cord.
- LEUKODYSTROPHY
- Disturbance of the white matter of the brain.
- LEUKOENCEPHALITIS
- An inflammation of the white matter of the brain.
- LIGAMENT
- A band of flexible, fibrous connective tissue that is attached at the end of a bone near a joint. The main function of a ligament is to attach bones to one another, to provide stability of a joint, and to prevent or limit some joint motion.
- LIGAMENTOUS
- Relating to or of the form or structure of a ligament.
- LIGAMENTUM FLAVUM
- A band of yellow elastic tissue that runs between the laminae from the axis to the sacrum; it assists in maintaining or regaining erect position and serves to close in the spaces between the arches.
- LIMBUS ANNULARE
- A mass of bone situated at the anterospuerior margin of a vertebra. Arises from failure of fusion of the primary and secondary ossification centers.
- LINEAR ACCELERATOR
- Equipment that precisely delivers a concentrated dose of radiation to a predetermined target using x-rays.
- LIPOMA
- A benign fatty tumor, usually composed of mature fat cells.
- LOCALIO
- For sacral tumor; a method for partial excision of the scarum.
- LOCALIZATION
- Limitation to a definite area. The reference of a sensation to its point of origin.
- LONG BEACH PEDICLE SCREW
- Posterolateral fusion screw and rod device.
- LONG TRACTS
- The nerve fibers that connect the voluntary muscle messages from the brain.
