Glossary
- SPINOUS PROCESS
- The portion of the vertebrae that protrudes posteriorly from the spinal column. The spinous processes create the bumps felt on the midline of the back. The most posterior extension of the spine arising from the laminae.
- SPONDYLALGIA
- Pain in vertebra(e).
- SPONDYLARTHRITIS
- Arthritis of the spine.
- SPONDYLARTHROCACE
- Tuberculosis of the spine; spondylocace.
- SPONDYLEXARTHROSIS
- Dislocation of a vertebra.
- SPONDYLITIS
- Inflammation of vertebrae, including types such as ankylosing, rheumatoid, traumatic, spondylitis deformans, K?mmel, and Marie-Str?mpell d.
- SPONDYLIZEMA
- Depression or downward displacement of a vertebra, with destruction or softening of one below it.
- SPONDYLODYNIA
- Pain in vertebra(e).
- SPONDYLOEPIPHYSEAL DYSPLASIA
- Disorder of growth affecting both the spine and the ends of long bones.
- SPONDYLOLISTHESIS
- A defect in the construct of bone between the superior and inferior facets with varying degrees of displacement so the vertebra with the defect and the spine above that vertebra are displaced forward in relationship to the vertebrae below. It Is usually due to a developmental defect or the result of a fracture.
- SPONDYLOLYSIS
- Displacement of one vertebrae over another with fracture of a posterior portion of the vertebra. A defect in the neural arch between the superior and inferior facets of vertebrae without separation at the defect and therefore no displacement of the vertebrae. It may be unilateral or bilateral and is usually due to a developmental defect but may be secondary to a fracture.
- SPONDYLOMALACIA
- Softening of vertebrae; K?mmell disease.
- SPONDYLOPATHY
- Any vertebral disorder.
- SPONDYLOPYOSIS
- Infection in vertebra(e).
- SPONDYLOSCHISIS
- Congenital fissure (splitting) of vertebral arch.
- SPONDYLOSIS
- Ankylosis of the vertebra; often applied nonspecifically to any lesion of the spine of a degenerative nature. Bony replacement of ligaments around the disc spaces of the spine, associated with decreased mobility and eventual fusion; marginal osteophyte.
- SPONDYLOSYNDESIS
- Surgical immobilization or ankylosis by fusion of the vertebral bodies with a short bone graft in cases of tuberculosis of the spine; spondylodesis, Albee procedure.
- SPONDYLOTOMY
- Incision into a vertebra or vertebral column; rachiotomy.
- SPRAIN
- An injury to a ligament when the joint is carried through a range of motion greater than normal, but without dislocation or fracture.
- STAINLESS STEEL
- Iron-based metal containing chromium that is highly resistant to stain, rust, and corrosion. Certain grades of stainless steel are commonly used to make surgical implants and instruments.
- STEFFEE PLATE
- For posterolateral fusion fixation; plate and screw device.
- STENOSIS
- Reduction in the diameter of the spinal canal due to new bone formation which may result in pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
- STEREOTACTIC
- Originated from the Greek words stereo meaning three dimensional and tactos meaning touched and relating to stereotaxy.
- STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY
- The precise delivery of radiation to a preselected stereotactically localized target.
- STEREOTAXY
- A precise method of destroying deep-seated brain structures located by use of three dimension coordinates.
- STERILE
- Free from living organisms. Relating to or characterized by sterility.
- STERILITY
- In general, the incapability of fertilization or reproduction.
- STERILIZATION
- The method used to render a material free from living organisms. Usual methods include steam under pressure, gas, and ionizing radiation.
- STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID
- Large externally visible muscle of the anterior neck, enabling the head to turn to either side.
- STERNUM
- The breast bone; further divided into three segments. manubrium: upper portion, proximal end; sternum: main portion; xiphoid: the dagger-like tip of the sternum, distal end.
