Medical Glossary

A surgical procedure that replaces a damaged spinal disc with an artificial device designed to preserve motion while relieving pain.

Another term for artificial disc replacement, emphasizing that the entire disc is replaced with an artificial device.

The tough, fibrous outer ring of an intervertebral disc that contains the soft nucleus pulposus and allows controlled movement.

The point around which spinal movement occurs. Proper center of rotation is crucial for natural movement patterns and long-term success of ADR.

The neck portion of the spine, consisting of seven vertebrae (C1-C7) that support the head and allow neck movement.

A condition where spinal discs lose water content, height, and shock-absorbing ability due to aging or wear, potentially causing pain.

Small joints located at the back of each vertebra that guide spinal movement and provide stability. Healthy facets are essential for ADR candidacy.

A surgical procedure to enlarge the neural foramen (opening where nerve roots exit the spine) to relieve nerve compression.

A surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae together, eliminating movement at that level to provide stability.

The formation of bone in soft tissues around an artificial disc, which can limit movement. Risk factors include genetics and surgical trauma.

A combination approach using both ADR and fusion at different levels, tailoring treatment to each level's specific needs.

An abnormal backward curvature of the spine, often seen in the thoracic region. Severe kyphosis may contraindicate ADR.

The natural forward curvature of the cervical and lumbar spine. Maintaining proper lordosis is important for spinal balance.

The lower back portion of the spine, consisting of five large vertebrae (L1-L5) that bear most of the body's weight.

Spinal cord compression causing coordination problems, balance issues, hand clumsiness, or gait changes. Requires urgent evaluation.

The gel-like center of an intervertebral disc that acts as a shock absorber and distributes pressure evenly across the vertebrae.

Nerve root compression causing sharp, shooting pain that travels down the arm (cervical) or leg (lumbar), often with numbness or weakness.

The proper alignment of the spine when viewed from the side, crucial for efficient load distribution and long-term spinal health.

Pain that radiates down the leg due to compression of the sciatic nerve, often caused by lumbar disc herniation or stenosis.

Narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramina that can compress nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.

A condition where one vertebra slips forward relative to the vertebra below it, potentially causing instability and nerve compression.

The individual bones that make up the spinal column. There are 24 mobile vertebrae (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar) plus the sacrum and coccyx.