Glossary
- SCAPULA
- A large triangular flattened bone lying over the ribs, posteriorly on either side.
- SCHEUERMANN'S DISEASE
- Inflammation of the anterior cartilage of the bodies of the lower thoracic and upper segments, causing pain in some older, growing children. There is more than 5 degrees of wedging of at least three adjacent vertebrae as seen on radiographs.
- SCHMORL NODES
- Developmental change resulting in inferior or superior extension of the intervertebral disc into the vertebral bodies.
- SCHOLLNER COSTOPLASTY
- For rib deformity or scoliosis; multiple rib partial excisions.
- SCIATICA
- A lay term indicating pain along the course of a sciatic nerve, especially noted in the back of the thigh and below the knee. Pain radiating down the sciatic nerve into the posterior thigh and leg; can be caused by irritation of a nerve anywhere from the back to the thigh.
- SCOLIORACHITIS
- Disease of the spine caused by rickets; abnormal bone mineralization.
- SCOLIOSIS
- Lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine.
- SCOTOMA
- An area of decreased vision surrounded by an area of less depressed or normal vision.
- SCOTT
- Use of cross-wire fixation transverse process to inferior pedicle in stabilization of spondylolysis fusion.
- SEDDON
- Drainage of thoracic spinal abscess through anterolateral approach with partial resection of rib.
- SEGMENTAL INSTABILITY
- Abnormal response to applied loads characterized by motion in the motor segment beyond normal constraints.
- SEPSIS
- A state of infection of tissue due to disease-producing bacteria or toxins.
- SEPTUM
- A thin wall dividing two cavities or masses of softer tissue.
- SEQUESTRATION
- Displaced material escapes as free fragment(s), which may migrate elsewhere.
- SHUNT
- A tube or device implanted in the body (usually made of Silastic) to redivert excess CSF away from the brain to another place in the body.
- SIMMONS
- Use of keystoned-shaped graft in anterior fusion. For cervical spinal kyphosis; a posterior osteotomy.
- SKELETON
- The rigid framework of bones that gives form to the body, protects and supports the soft organs and tissues, and provides attachments for muscles.
- SOUTHWICK
- A posterior fusion with wire attaching bone graft to the facet joints.
- SPEED (KELLOGG SPEED)
- For spondylolisthesis spine fusion and anterior interbody fusion by using tibial cortical graft.
- SPETZLER
- Approach to anterior C-1 to C-3 by using a transoral approach for fusion following excision of tumor.
- SPINA BIFIDA
- A congenital defect of the spine marked by the absence of a portion of the spine.
- SPINAL ACCESSORY NERVE (eleventh cranial)
- The nerve from the brainstem that supplies the sternocleidomastoid muscles.
- SPINAL CANAL
- The bony channel that is formed by the intravertebral foramen of the vertebrae and in which contains the spinal cord and nerve roots. The space between the vertebral body anteriorly and the lamina and spinal process posteriorly.
- SPINAL COLUMN
- See Spine.
- SPINAL CORD
- The longitudinal cord of nerve tissue that is enclosed in the spinal canal. It serves not only as a pathway for nervous impulses to and from the brain, but as a center for carrying out and coordinating many reflex actions independently of the brain.
- SPINAL DISC
- See Disc (Intervertebral).
- SPINAL FUSION
- Operative method of strengthening and limiting motion of the spinal column. Can be performed with a variety of metal instruments and bone grafts, or bone grafts alone.
- SPINAL STENOSIS
- General term denoting narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar area leading to nerve root compromise; term often used for developmental abnormality that leaves a narrow, bony canal. There are four subgroups of this condition: achondroplastic stenosis, constitutional stenosis, degenerative stenosis, and combined stenosis.
- SPINAL THALAMIC TRACT
- The main tract of pain to the brain.
- SPINE
- The flexible bone column extending from the base of the skull to the tailbone. It is made up of 33 bones, known as vertebrae. The first 24 vertebrae are separated by discs known as intervertebral discs, and bound together by ligaments and muscles. Five vertebrae are fused together to form the sacrum and 4 vertebrae are fused together to form the coccyx. The spine is also referred to as the vertebral column, spinal column, or backbone.
