Adjacent Level Degeneration
Condition resulting from treatment at one level leading to increased stress, which may lead to more rapid degeneration at adjacent segments.
Annulus Fibrosus
The fibrous tire-like outer band of a natural disc that encases the central gel-like substance (called the nucleus pulposus).
Artificial Disc
A lumbar prosthesis that is inserted between vertebral bodies after a degenerated disc is removed. The artificial disc is designed to maintain disc height as well as facilitate motion at the treated vertebral level.
Discectomy
The removal of part or the entire intervertebral disc.
Fusion
Removal of the degenerated, painful disc and replacement with a bone graft. Over time, the bone graft will unite with the vertebra above and below the disc space, thus “fusing” the two vertebrae together to form a single column of bone.
Lumbar Disc
Located between each vertebrae. Helps maintain proper spacing, stability, and motion within the lumbar spine. Each disc is comprised of a nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus.
Lumbar Disc Degeneration
Changes of the spine and its associated surrounding areas (intervertebral disc, spinal joints, etc.) that result from the natural aging process or injury that can limit the spine’s mobility and stability.
Nucleus Pulposus
A gel-like substance in the center of the disc encased by a fibrous tire-like outer band (called the annulus fibrosus).
Vertebrae (Vertebral Body)
Bony segments that form the spinal column of humans. The lumbar spine consists of _ve vertebrae called L1 through L5.
