The immobilization of bone fragments or joints with implants in order to promote healing or fusion.

See Disc (Intervertebral).

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.  

The junction or articulation of two or more bones that permits varying degrees of motion between the bones.

An abnormal increase in the normal kyphotic curvature of the thoracic spine.

An anatomical portion of a vertebra. For each vertebra, two lamina connect the pedicles to the spinous process as part of the neural arch.

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.

Situated away from the midline of the body.

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.

An abnormal increase in the normal lordotic curvature of the lumbar spine.

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

The lower part of the spine between the thoracic region and the sacrum. The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae.

Situated closer to the midline of the body.

The required reporting of' medical device complaints involving a patient death, serious injury, or device malfunction.

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

The portion of a spinal nerve in close proximity to its origin from the spinal cord.

The bony arch of the posterior aspect of a vertebra that surrounds the spinal cord, also referred to as the vertebral arch.

The surgical specialty involved in the treatment of disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

Failure of the fragments of a fractured bone to heal or to obtain bony fusion following an arthrodesis.

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.

Medical devices used to replace or provide fixation of bone or to replace articulating surfaces of a joint.

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.

The process of forming bone in the body

A disorder in which bone is abnormally brittle, less dense, and is the result of a number of different diseases and abnormalities.

The study of disease states.

The part of each side of the neural arch of a vertebra. It connects the lamina with the vertebral body.

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.

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.

The science of the functioning of living organisms, and of their component systems or parts.

Located behind a structure, such as relating to the back side of the human body.