A
Acoustic neuroma
- Benign tumor of the hearing nerve (eighth nerve).
Acromegaly
- Chronic disorder that is characterized by a gradual and permanent
enlargement of the lower jaw, hands, feet, abdominal organs, nose, lips,
and tongue that is due to the excessive secretion of the growth hormone.
Action tremor - A type
of tremor that occurs during voluntary movements, such as lifting a
cup to one's mouth.
Activa Tremor Control Therapy
- The therapy uses an implanted device to deliver mild electrical stimulation
to block the brain signals that cause tremor. The therapy stimulates
the target nuclei in the thalamus via an insulated wire lead with electrodes
that are surgically implanted in the brain and connected to a pulse
generator that is implanted near the collarbone. The stimulation level
can be adjusted to get the most possible tremor control with minimal
side effects.
Acute - Severe, for
a short time.
Adenocarcinoma
- Cancer arising from secretory cells, often in a gland. Breast and
pancreatic cancers are usually adenocarcinomas.
AEDs - Antiepileptic
drugs.
Afferent Neuron - Transmitting
impulses to the central nervous system.
Allograft Bone - Sterile
bone derived from another human which is used for grafting procedures.
Analgesia - Loss of
sensibility to pain, loss of response to a painful stimulus.
Anesthesiologist -
Physician who administers pain-killing medications during surgery.
Aneurysm - An abnormal
blood-filled dilation of a blood vessel resulting from disease of the
vessel wall.
Angiogram - A study
which shows the blood vessels leading to, and in the brain, by injecting
a dye or contrast substance through a catheter placed in the artery
in the leg..
Anterior - The front
portion of the body. It is often used to indicate the position of one
structure relative to another.
Annulus Fibrosus
- The outer, fibrous, ring-like portion of an intervertebral disc.
Anterolateral - Situated
or occurring in front of and to the side.
Aphasia - A loss or
impairment of the power to use or comprehend words resulting from a
brain lesion.
Arachnoid - Delicate,
web-like middle layer of membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Arachnoiditis - Inflammation
of the arachnoid membrane.
Arteriovenous malformation
- An anatomical abnormality in the arteries or veins in or around the
brain which may cause hemorrhage or seizures.
Arthralgia - Joint
pain.
Arthritis - Inflammation
of a joint usually characterized by swelling, pain and restriction of
motion.
Arthrodesis - The fusion
of bones across a joint space, thereby limiting or eliminating movement.
It may occur spontaneously or as a result of a surgical procedure, such
as fusion of the spine.
Arthropathy - Any disease
or disorder involving a joint.
Arthroplasty - The
surgical remodeling of a diseased or damaged joint.
Arthroscope - An instrument
inserted into it joint cavity to view the interior of a joint and correct
certain abnormalities. An arthroscope is an endoscope for use in a joint.
Arthroscopy - The procedure
of visualizing the inside of a joint by means of an arthroscope.
Articular - Pertaining
to a joint.
Astrocyte - A star-shaped
cell, comparatively large which supports the nerve cells (neurons) of
the brain and spinal cord.
Ataxia - An inability
to coordinate voluntary muscle movements.
Atonic seizure - Seizures
that are characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone, causing the
individual to instantly drop to the floor, commonly known as "drop attacks."
Aura - Warning sign
that people with epilepsy often experience prior to the onset of a seizure,
which may consist of a strange taste, bad feeling, or tingling sensation.
Autogenous Bone - Bone
originating from the same individual; i.e., an individual's own bone.
Autograft Bone - Bone
transplanted from one part to another part of the body in the same individual.
Autonomic Nervous System
- The involuntary nervous system that also innervates smooth and cardiac
muscle and glandular tissues.
Axon - The part of
a nerve cell that transmits signals to other structures or nerves.
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B
Backbone - See Spine.
Bell's Palsy - Paralysis
of the facial nerve producing distortion on one side of the face..
Bioabsorbable Polymer
- A substance, such as some plastics, which the human body can break
down and absorb.
Biocompatibility -
A characteristic of some materials that when they are inserted into
the body do not produce a significant rejection or immune response.
Biodegradation - The
breakdown of organic materials into simple chemicals commonly found
in the body.
Blood-Brain Barrier
- A barrier that exists between the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid
which prevents the passage of various substances from the bloodstream
to the brain.
Bone - The hard tissue
that provides structural support to the body, It is primarily composed
of hydroxyapatite crystals and collagen. Individual bones may be classed
as long, short, or flat.
Bone Derivative - One
of the substances extracted from bone, such as bone morphogenic proteins
(BMP).
Bone Graft - Bone which
is harvested from one location in an individual and placed in another
individual (allograft bone) or in a different location in the same individual
(autogenous bone).
Bone Marrow - The tissue
contained within the internal cavities of the bones. A major function
of this tissue is to produce red blood cells.
Bone Plate - Usually
a relatively thin metal device which is affixed to bone via screws.
Bone plates are used to immobilize bones or bone fragments such that
healing can occur.
Bone Screw - A threaded
metal device which is inserted into bone. The functions of bone screws
are to immobilize bones or bone fragments or to affix other medical
devices, such as metal bone plates, to bones.
Bradykinesia - Slowness
in movement.
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C
Cadaver - A term generally
applied to a dead human body preserved for anatomical study,
Cancellous Bone - The
spongy or honeycomb structure of some bone tissue typically found at
the ends of long bones.
Carcinoma - Type of
tumor that arises from cells which occur on line body surfaces of internal
organs and passageway of the body. Skin, intestinal, uterine and lung
cancers are carcinomas.
Cartilage - The hard,
thin layer of white glossy tissue that covers the end of bone at a joint.
This tissue allows motion to take place with a minimum amount of friction.
Carotid Artery - Large
artery on both sides of the neck which supply most of the blood supply
to the brain.
Carpal Tunnel - Passage
under a ligament at the wrist through which the median nerve enters
the palm of the hand.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- A condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal
tunnel, characterized especially by discomfort and disturbances of sensation
in the hand.
Cauda Equina - A bundle
of spinal nerve roots arising from the end of the spinal cord and filling
the lower part of the spinal canal.
Central Nervous
System - Part of the nervous system which consists of the brain
and spinal cord, to which sensory impulses are transmitted and from
which motor impulses pass out, and which supervises and coordinates
the activity of the entire nervous system.
Centrum - The body
of a vertebra.
Cerebellum - The lower
part of the brain located beneath the posterior portion of the cerebrum
which controls the body's equilibrium and unconscious movement.
Cererebral - Relating
to the brain or intellect.
Cerebral Cortex - Surface
layer of gray matter of the cerebrum that functions chiefly in coordination
of higher nervous activity; called also pallium.
Cerebral Palsy - Disability
resulting from damage to the brain before or during birth and outwardly
manifested by muscular incoordination and speech disturbances.
Cerebrospinal Fluid
- Water-like fluid produced in the brain that circulates and protects
the brain and spinal cord, known as CSF.
Cerebrum - An enlarged
portion of the brain, located in the front and upward area, which consists
of cerebral hemispheres that control conscious movement, sensation and
thought.
Cervical - The neck
region of the spine containing the first seven vertebrae.
Chemonucleolysis -
A treatment of an intervertebral disc that consists of an injection
of chymopapain, a drug that dissolves part of the disc.
Choroid Plexus - A
vascular portion of the brain in the ventricles that secretes cerebrospinal
fluid.
Clinical Studies -
A process of strictly controlled evaluations involving patients. Some
of these studies are required by the FDA prior to general release of
a device or compound for use in humans.
Cobalt-Chrome - A term
that is used in referring to cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, a mixture
of metals used in many surgical implants.
Coccyx - The region
of the spine below the sacrum. It is also known as the tailbone.
Collagen - A fibrous
protein which is a major constituent of connective tissue. Such as skin,
tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones.
Comminuted Fracture
- A fracture in which a bone is broken into more than two pieces. Often
internal or external fixation devices are used to maintain proper alignment
of the fragments.
CT - (Computed Tomography)
A computer enhanced x-ray study to detect structural abnormalities.
A three-dimensional map of soft tissue or bone is imaged.
Concussion - A disruption
that results from the stunning, damaging, or shattering effects of a
hard blow.
Contrast Medium
- A material used during a radiologic procedure to define a structure.
Cortex - The outer
layer of gray matter covering the hemispheres of the cerebrum and cerebellum.
Cortical Bone
- The dense bone that forms the outer surface of bone.
Cranium - The part
of the skull that encases the brain.
Craniostenosis - Premature
closure of cranial sutures, limiting or distorting the growth of the
skull.
Cytology - Study of
cells.
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D
Deep Brain Stimulation
- A tremor control therapy for patients with Parkinson's Disease or
essential tremors, who do not respond effectively to medications. It
is a surgical reversible procedure that involves implanting a device
to deliver mild electrical stimulation to block the brain signals that
cause tremor.
De-mineralized Bone
- Bone tissue which has been depleted of its minerals; e.g., calcium
and phosphorous.
Dendrite - A nerve
cell process that transmits impulses toward the cell body.
Disc (Intervertebral)
- The tough, elastic structure that is between the bodies of spinal
vertebrae. The disc consists of an outer annulus fibrosus enclosing
an inner nucleus pulposus.
Disc Degeneration -
The loss of the structural and functional integrity of the disc.
Discectomy - Surgical
removal of part or all of an intervertebral disc.
Distal - Situated away
from the center of the body.
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E
Endogenous - Arising
within or derived from the body.
Endoscope - A medical
device for viewing internal portions of the body. It is usually comprised
of fiber optic tubes and video display instruments.
Endoscopy - Inspection
of internal body structures or cavities using an endoscope.
Epidural - Situated
outside the thin, tough dural membrane that surrounds the brain and
spinal cord.
Excision - Removal
by cutting away material.
Exogenous - Originating
outside of the body.
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F
Facet - A posterior
structure of a vertebra which articulates with a facet of an adjacent
vertebra to form a facet joint that allows motion in the spinal column.
Each vertebra has two superior and two inferior facets.
Facetectomy - Excision
of a facet.
Fatigue Fracture -
A fracture that occurs in bone or in other materials. Including metal,
as a result of repeated stress as opposed to a single injury.
Fibrosis - The replacement
of normal tissue with scar tissue.
Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) - The Federal government agency that has regulatory authority
over the manufacture, distribution, and labeling of drugs, medical devices,
and foods.
Fontanelles - "Soft
spots" of the infant's head, normal unossified areas in the infant skull.
Foramen - A natural
opening or passage in bone.
Foraminotomy - Surgical
opening or enlargement of the bony opening transversed by a nerve root
as it leaves the spinal cord.
Fracture - A disruption
of the normal continuity of bone.
Functional Stereotactic
Neurosurgery - Surgery intended to improve the function of the
central nervous system. A stereotactic head frame is used along with
imaging techniques to map the brain and localize the surgical target.
Fusion - Union or healing
of bone (see Arthrodesis).
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G
Galactorrhea - Discharge
of milk from the breasts.
Gamma Knive -
Equipment that delivers a precise concentrated dose of radiation to
a predetermined target using gamma rays.
Generalized Seizures
- Seizures involving widespread areas on both sides of the brain at
the time of onset. The generalized nature of these seizures accounts
for their dramatic manifestations, which include loss of consciousness
or awareness and convulsions. About 39% epileptics suffer primarily
from generalized seizures.
Glasgow Coma Scale
(GCS) - Most widely used system of classifying the severity of head
injuries or other neurologic diseases.
Glia - The major support
cells of the brain, involved in the nutrition and maintenance of nerve
cells.
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H
Herniated Disc - Extrusion
of part of the nucleus pulposus material through a defect in the annulus
fibrosus.
Heterotopic Bone Formation
- The occurrence of bone growth in an abnormal location.
Hook - For spinal applications,
a metallic medical device used to connect spinal structures to a rod.
Hydroxyapatite (HA)
- The lattice-like structure of bone composed of calcium and phosphorous
crystals which deposits on collagen to provide the rigid structure of
bone.
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I
Iliac Bone - A part
of the pelvic bone that is above the hip joint and from which autogenous
bone grafts are frequently obtained.
Iliac Crest - The large,
prominent portion of the pelvic bone at the belt line of the body.
Immobilization - Limitation
of motion or fixation of a body part usually to promote healing.
Intervertebral Disc
- See Disc (Intervertebral).
In vitro - Describing
biological phenomena that are made to occur outside the living body
traditionally in a test tube). In vitro is Latin for in glass.
In vivo - Within a
living body. In vivo is Latin for in life.
Inferior - Situated
below or directed downward.
Informed Consent -
Consent of the patient who has received sufficient information to have
surgery, receive medication, or participate in a clinical study.
Institutional Review Board
(IRB) - A committee designated by an institution, Such as a hospital,
to review and approve research projects; e.g., clinical studies in that
institution.
Internal Fixation -
The immobilization of bone fragments or joints with implants in order
to promote healing or fusion.
Investigational Device
Exemption (IDE) - A FDA regulatory status which permits the
human use of an unapproved medical device for the purposes of
collecting clinical data under strictly controlled conditions.
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J
Joint - The junction
or articulation of two or more bones that permits varying degrees
of motion between the bones.
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K
Kyphosis - An abnormal
increase in the normal kyphotic curvature of the thoracic spine.
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L
Lamina - An anatomical
portion of a vertebra. For each vertebra, two lamina connect the pedicles
to the spinous process as part of the neural arch.
Laminectomy - An operation
for removal of part or all of the lamina of a vertebra. Commonly performed
in order to be able to remove an intervertebral disc protrusion or to
decompress a nerve root.
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.
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.
Lordosis - An abnormal
increase in the normal lordotic curvature of the lumbar spine.
Lumbago - A non-medical
term signifying pain in the lumbar region.
Lumbar - The lower
part of the spine between the thoracic region and the sacrum. The lumbar
spine consists of five vertebrae.
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M
Medial - Situated closer
to the midline of the body.
Medical Device Report (MI)R)
- The required reporting of' medical device complaints involving a patient
death, serious injury, or device malfunction.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgery requiring small incision(s), usually performed with endoscopic
visualization.
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N
Neurosurgery - The
surgical specialty involved in the treatment of disorders of the brain,
spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
Nerve Root - The portion
of a spinal nerve in close proximity to its origin from the spinal cord.
Neural Arch - The bony
arch of the posterior aspect of a vertebra that surrounds the spinal
cord, also referred to as the vertebral arch.
Non-Union - Failure
of the fragments of a fractured bone to heal or to obtain bony fusion
following an arthrodesis.
Nucleus Pulposus
- The semi-gelatinous tissue in the center of an intervertebral disc.
It is surrounded and contained by the annulus fibrosus which prevents
this material from protruding outside the disc space.
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O
Orthopaedics (also Orthopedics)
- The medical specialty involved in the preservation and restoration
of function of the musculoskeletal system that includes treatment of
spinal disorders and peripheral nerve lesions.
Orthopaedic Implants -
Medical devices used to replace or provide fixation of bone or to replace
articulating surfaces of a joint.
Ossification - The
process of forming bone in the body,
Osteoporosis - A disorder
in which bone is abnormally brittle, less dense, and is the result of
a number of different diseases and abnormalities.
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P
Pathology - The study
of disease states.
Pedicle -The part of
each side of the neural arch of a vertebra. It connects the lamina with
the vertebral body.
Periosteum - A fibrous
membrane that covers the surface of bone except at the end of the bones
where it is covered with cartilage as part of a joint. In children,
periosteum is involved in forming new bone and molding the configuration
of bone; and in the adult, the periosteum forms new bone secondary to
injury or infection.
Physical Therapy -
The treatment consisting of exercising specific parts of the body such
as the legs, arms, hands or neck, in an effort to strengthen, regain
range of motion, relearn movement and/or rehabilitate the musculoskeletal
system to improve function.
Physiology -The science
of the functioning of living organisms, and of their component systems
or parts.
Posterior - Located
behind a structure, such as relating to the back side of the human body.
Powered Surgical Instruments
- Instruments which are powered by compressed air or electricity and
are used in surgical procedures to cut, drill, or otherwise remove bone
and cartilage, as well as to evacuate fluids.
Pre-Clinical Studies
- Tests occurring prior to clinical studies, usually in vitro or in
vivo involving animals. The purpose of these studies is to determine
the safety and efficacy of the test material.
Premarket Notification
[510(k)] - A regulatory method for gaining clearance from the FDA
to market a device. The FDA is petitioned by a company to determine
if a particular medical device is "substantially equivalent" to a device
which was commercially available prior to May 28, 1976. This method
usually applies to Class I or II medical devices.
Premarket Approval (PMA)
- A regulatory method for gaining a marketing clearance from the
FDA for a Class III medical device. A company submits information to
the FDA that documents the safety and effectiveness of the device.
Prosthesis - An artificial
body part such as an artificial leg or arm. The term prosthesis is also
used to describe some of the implants used in the body such as a hip
or knee replacement device.
Proximal - Nearest
the center of the body.
Pseudoarthrosis
(also Pseudarthrosis) - A form of non-union in which there is
the formation of a false joint with some cartilage covering the
ends of the bones and a cavity containing fluid that resembles
a normal joint.
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Q
Quadriplegia - Paralysis
of all four limbs.
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R
Radiation Oncologist
- A physician who specializes in the use of radiant substances, such
as x-rays and radioactive isotopes to diagnose and treat diseases.
Resection - The surgical
removal of part of a structure, such as bone.
Resorption - The removal
of bone tissue by normal physiological process or as part of a pathological
process such as an infection.
Rod - In spinal applications,
a slender, metal implant which is used to immobilize and alien the spine.
Ruptured Disc
- See Herniated Disc.
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S
Sacrum - A part of
the spine that is also part of the pelvis. It articulates with the ilia
at the sacroiliac joints and articulates with the lumbar spine at the
lumbosacral joint. The sacrum consists of five fused vertebrae that
have no intervertebral discs.
Sagittal - Longitudinal.
Sciatica - A lay term
indicating pain alone the course of a sciatic nerve, especially noted
in the back of the thigh and below the knee.
Scoliosis - Lateral
(sideways) curvature of the spine.
Sepsis - A state of
infection of tissue due to disease-producing bacteria or toxins.
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.
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.
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 - A surgical
procedure to permanently join bone by interconnecting two or more vertebrae
in order to prevent motion (see Arthrodesis).
Spinal 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.
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.
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.
Spondylitis
- Inflammation of vertebrae.
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.
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.
Sterile -
Free from living organisms.
Sterilization - The
method used to render a material free from living organisms. Usual methods
include steam under pressure, gas, and ionizing radiation.
Superior - Situated
above or directed upward toward the head of an individual.
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T
Tendon - The fibrous
band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. It Is mainly composed of
collagen.
Third Party Payor -
The source of reimbursement or payment of charges for medical services
when the patient does not make direct payment: i.e. payments made by
insurance companies, government agencies or employers. The patient and
the doctor represent the two other parties in third party pay arrangements.
Thoracic - The chest
level region of the spine that is located between the cervical and lumbar
vertebrae. It consists of 12 vertebrae which serve as attachment points
for ribs.
Titanium - A metallic
element used to make surgical implants.
Toxicology - The study
of the toxic or harmful effects of substances on the body.
Transplant - The implantation
of bone tissue, as in grafting, from one part of the body to another.
Transplant also refers to the transfer of an organ such as a kidney
or heart from one individual to another.
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