A–D | E–G | H–J | K–M | N–Q | R–T | U–Z

K

Kyphosis

An abnormal increase in the normal kyphotic curvature of the thoracic spine. Round shoulder deformity, humpback, dorsal curvature; may refer to any forward-bending area or deformity of the spine.

L

Lamina

The flattened or arched part of the vertebral arch, forming the roof of the spinal canal. The posterior part of the spinal ring that covers the spinal cord or nerves.

Laminectomy

Excision of one or more laminae of the vertebrae. Removal of the lamina, the bony element covering the posterior portion of the spinal canal.

Laminoplasty

The lamina are hinged laterally opened like a door, and secured in their new position with suture or bone to enlarge the spinal canal.

Laminotomy

An opening made in a lamina. Formation of a hole in the lamina without disrupting the continuity of the entire lamina to approach the intervertebral disc or neural structures.

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.

Lipoma

A benign fatty tumor, usually composed of mature fat cells.

Lordosis

Curvature of the spine with the convexity not a disease state, but the normal anterior concavity of the neck or low back.

Lumbago

A non-medical term signifying pain in the lumbar region. archaic term meaning back pain.

Lumbar

The lower part of the spine between the thoracic and the sacrum. the lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae. The five moveable spinal segments of the lower back and largestof the spinal segments.

Lumbar Curve

Curve with apex between the first and the fourth lumbar vertebrae.

Lumbar Drain

A device (usually a long, thin, flexible tube) inserted through the skin into the cerebrospinal fluid space of the lower back; provides a method of draining cerebrospinal fluid.

Lumbarization

Partial or complete formation of a free-moving first sacral segment so that it looks like a lumbar vertebra.

Lumbar Kyphosis

Reverse of the normal curve of the back.

Lumbar Lordosis

Angle made by lines drawn from the superior surface of the first and fifth lumbar vertebra.

Lumbar Microdiscectomy

An operation on the lumbar spine performed using a surgical microscope and microsurgical techniques.

Lumbosacral Curve

A lateral curve with its aspect at or between the fifth lumbar vertebra.

Luxation

Dislocation.

M

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Diagnostic test that produces three-dimensional images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology rather than x-rays.

Malignant

Resistant to treatment; occurring in severe form, and frequently fatal; tending to become worse and leading to an ingravescent course.

Median Nerve

The nerve formed from the brachial plexus that supplies muscles in the anterior forearm and thumb, as well as, sensation of the hand. It may be compressed or trapped at the wrist in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Medial

Situated closer to the midline of the body.

Medulla Oblongata

The lower portion of the brain stem.

Medulloblastoma

Tumor composed of medulloblasts which are cells which develop in the roof of the fourth ventricle (medullary velum).

Meninges

The three membranes covering the spinal cord and brain termed dura mater, arachnoid mater and pia mater.

Meningioma

A firm, often vascular, tumor arising from the coverings of the brain. Does not recur if totally removed.

Meningitis

An infection or inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

Meningocele

A protrusion of the coverings of the spinal cord or brain through a defect in the skull or vertebral column. May be congenital or acquired.

Meningoencephalitis

An inflammation or infection of the brain and spinal cord and their membranes.

Meningoencephalocele

A protrusion of both the meninges and brain tissue through a skull defect

Meningomyelitis

Inflammation of spinal cord, its enveloping arachnoid and pia mater, and sometimes the dura mater.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging - Scanning technique for views of the brain or spinal cord. No radiation is involved, but rather pulsed magnetic waves are used to delineate the structures within the brain.

Minimal Access Discectomy

An operation performed on the upper spine to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots.

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Laminectomy/Discectomy

An operation performed on the lower spine to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots. The term is derived from the words lumbar (low back), and discectomy (remove a portion of the intervertebral disc).

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Surgery requiring small incision(s), usually performed with endoscopic visualization.

Myalgia

Muscular pain.

Myelalgia

Pain in the spinal cord.

Myelogram

An x-ray of the spinal canal following injection of a contrast material into the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid spaces.

Myelography

Radiography of the spinal cord and nerve roots after the injection of a contrast medium into the spinal subarachnoid space.

Myeloneuritis

Inflammation of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves.

Myeloparalysis

Spinal paralysis.

Myelopathy

Any functional or pathologic disturbance in the spinal cord.

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