OHSU Healthcare Topic Search: Spine

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Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Spine (tests & procedures)

A CT scan of the spine may be performed to assess the spine for a herniated disk, tumors and other lesions, the extent of injuries, structural anomalies such as spina bifida, blood vessel malformations, or other conditions.

X-rays of the Spine, Neck, or Back (tests & procedures)

This procedure may be used to diagnose back or neck pain, fractures or broken bones, arthritis, degeneration of the disks, tumors, or other problems.

Topic Index - Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis Disorders

Detailed information on the most common disorders of the spine, shoulder, and pelvis, including arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, avascular necrosis, bursitis, hip problems, hip replacement, kyphosis, low back pain, neck problems, neck pain, torticollis,

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Spine Podcast

In computed tomography, the X-ray beam moves in a circle around the body. This allows many different views of the spine. The X-ray information is sent to a computer that interprets the data and displays it in a two-dimensional form on a monitor.

Facts About the Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis

Detailed anatomical description of the spine, shoulder, and pelvis, including full-color, labeled illustrations

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine and Brain Podcast

MRI may be used to examine the brain and/or spinal cord for injuries or the presence of structural abnormalities or certain other conditions, including tumors or aneurysms.

X-rays of the Spine, Neck, or Back Podcast

An X-ray of the spine, neck, or back can help diagnose a range of problems, from back or neck pain to abnormalities in the alignment of the spine, such as kyphosis or scoliosis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine and Brain (tests & procedures)

MRI may be used to examine the brain and/or spinal cord for injuries or the presence of structural abnormalities or certain other conditions, including tumors or aneurysms.

Glossary - Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis Disorders

Glossary of terms relating to disorders of the spine, shoulder, and pelvis

Home Page - Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis Disorders

Anatomy of the Spine

Your backbone, also called the vertebral column, is made up of 33 vertebrae separated by spongy disks.

Common Disorders of the Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis

Online Resources - Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis Disorders

List of online resources to find additional information on spine, shoulder, and pelvis disorders

Scoliosis

A spine affected by scoliosis shows a sideways curvature and a rotation of the vertebrae, giving the appearance that the person is leaning to one side.

Lumbar Disk Replacement

A lumbar disk replacement is a type of back surgery. It involves replacing a worn or degenerated disk in the lower part of your spine with an artificial replacement made of medical-grade metal or a combination of medical-grade metal and medical-grade plastic.

Doctors and Specialists

Detailed information on the physicians and specialists that treat disorders of the spine, shoulder, and pelvis

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is a forward curvature of the spine. It is a type of spinal deformity and should not be confused with poor posture.

Chiropractic Medicine

Chiropractic medicine is based on the relationship between the alignment of the spine and the function of the body and the belief that the body can heal itself.

Lordosis

A spine affected by lordosis has a curve in the vertebrae in the lower back area, giving the child a "swayback" appearance.

Neurological Surgery

Neurological surgery is used to treat disorders of the brain, spine, and nerves. The doctor who specializes in neurological surgery is called a neurosurgeon or neurological surgeon.

Sympathetic Nerve Blocks for Pain

This therapy targets the sympathetic nervous system, a series of nerves that spread out from your spine to your body to help control several body functions, including blood flow.

Spinal Cord Injury

A traumatic injury to the spine can cause a bruise, a partial tear, or a complete tear in the spinal cord. The most common sites of injury are the cervical and thoracic areas.

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is used to treat fractures in the bones of the spine in which the doctor first inflates a balloon-like device in the bone to make space which is filled with cement.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the knees, hips, spine, and other weight-bearing joints in the body. Sometimes called the "wear and tear" arthritis, advancing age is a risk factor, but so are obesity and severe injury to the joint. This video discusses the symptoms, treatment, and steps you can take to minimize pain from osteoarthritis.

Sympathectomy

During a sympathectomy, a surgeon cuts or clamps the sympathetic nerve chain runs up and down along your spine. This procedure is used to treat heavy sweating in the palms of the hands, the face, the underarms, and feet, as well as to treat facial blushing and Raynaud phenomenon.

Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Many types of trauma can cause an acute spinal cord injury. The more common types occur when the area of the spine or neck is bent or compressed.

Acute Spinal Cord Injury in Children

Many types of trauma can cause an acute spinal cord injury. The more common types occur when the area of the spine or neck is bent or compressed.

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery

Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a minimally invasive technique that allows a surgeon to go through the nose to correct problems or remove a tumor in various areas of the brain and the top of the spine.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes a loss of bone mass and destruction of bone tissue. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine, and wrists.

Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome

VHL is a rare genetic disorder marked by an increased risk of developing benign tumors in the brain, spine, retina, and adrenal gland, and cancerous tumors in the kidney.

Lumbar Disk Disease (Herniated Disk)

Lumbar disk disease is caused by a change in the structure of a spinal disk. Most of the time, disk disease is a result of aging and the degeneration that occurs within the disk.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Detailed information on ankylosing spondylitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Glossary - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Glossary of terms relating to physical medicine and rehabilitation

Scoliosis in Children

Detailed information on scoliosis, including types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Kyphosis in Children

Detailed information on kyphosis, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment

Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis

Detailed information on juvenile ankylosing spondylitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Laminectomy (tests & procedures)

Laminectomy is a type of surgery in which a physician removes part or all of the vertebral bone to relieve compression of the spinal cord or the nerve roots.

Cervical Disk Replacement Surgery

Cervical disk replacement surgery involves removing a diseased cervical disk and replacing it with an artificial disk.

Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty is a procedure in which a special medical-grade cement mixture is injected into a fractured vertebra

Torticollis (Wryneck)

Torticollis is a spasm of the neck muscles. It is usually caused by vigorous movement or injury—or by sleeping in an awkward position.

Glossary - Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases

Online medical glossary of terms relating to arthritis and other rheumatic diseases written for patients and consumers

Glossary - Pediatric Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases

Glossary of terms relating to pediatric arthritis and other rheumatic diseases

Multifactorial Inheritance and Birth Defects

Detailed information on multifactorial inheritance, including different multifactorial traits and diseases

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)

Alpha-fetoprotein screening is a blood test that measures the level of AFP in the mothers' blood. Abnormal levels may indicate certain problems with the fetus.

Bone Densitometry (tests & procedures)

Bone densitometry is used primarily to diagnose osteoporosis and to determine fracture risk.

Fetal Ultrasound (tests & procedures)

Fetal ultrasound is a test used during pregnancy that creates an image of the fetus in the mother's uterus, or womb.

Fluoroscopy

Detailed information on fluoroscopy, including information on how the procedure is performed

Glossary - Growth and Development

Glossary of terms relating to growth and development of children

Juvenile Osteoporosis

Detailed information on juvenile osteoporosis, including cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Lumbar Puncture (LP) Podcast

A lumbar puncture is also known as a spinal tap. The most common reason for a lumbar puncture is to remove a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid to help diagnose various disorders, such as meningitis or encephalitis.

Myelogram Podcast

A myelogram is used to evaluate abnormalities of the spinal canal, including the spinal cord, nerve roots, and other tissues.

Myelogram (tests & procedures)

A myelogram, also known as myelography, is a procedure that combines the use of dye with x-rays or CT scans to assess the spinal cord, subarachnoid space, or other structures for abnormalities, particularly when another type of examination, such as a standard x-ray, is inconclusive.

Spina Bifida

Spina bifida can occur in the early weeks of pregnancy, before you even know you are expecting. That’s why your baby is depending on you to have healthy habits in place from the start. Learn more about the prevention and treatment of this birth defect.

Anencephaly

Anencephaly is a type of neural tube defect present at birth. It affects the formation of the brain and the skull bones that surround the head.

Back and Neck Pain

Pain in the back or neck area can be acute, which comes on suddenly and intensely, or chronic, which can last for weeks, months, or even years. The pain can be continuous or intermittent.

Brucella Antibody (CSF)

This test looks at fluid from your spinal cord to find out if you have an illness called brucellosis.

Genetic Services for Children: When, Where, How

Detailed information on genetic services, including when, where, and how

Low Back Pain

Low back pain can range from mild, dull, and annoying to persistent, severe, and disabling pain. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning.

The Pediatrics Orthopedic Team

Detailed information on each member of the pediatric orthopedic treatment team

Friedreich’s Ataxia

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a degenerative disease that damages your spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and the cerebellum portion of your brain.

Arthritis

Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are characterized by pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and connective tissues in the body.

Fluoroscopy Procedure (tests & procedures)

Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures—similar to an X-ray "movie."

Marfan Syndrome

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder involving the body's connective tissue, including the heart, lungs, and spinal cord.

Sinus X-ray (tests & procedures)

A sinus x-ray is a type of x-ray used to obtain images of the sinuses - the air-filled cavities lined with mucous membranes located within the bones of the skull.

Superficial Injuries Overview

The Orthopedic Treatment Team

Members of your treatment team may include an orthopedic surgeon, a rheumatologist, and a physical therapist.

Epidural Corticosteroid Injections

If you are experiencing intense, intractable pain in your legs or arms from inflamed spinal nerves, then an epidural steroid injection might be the preferred treatment to quickly give you relief.

Gram Stain

This test finds out whether you have a bacterial infection. The test can be used on various bodily fluids, such as blood and urine.

Lumbar Puncture (LP) (tests & procedures)

A lumbar puncture (LP), also known as a spinal tap, is a diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure used to remove a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid for examination and diagnosis of various disorders.

Psoriatic Arthritis in Children

Detailed information on psoriatic arthritis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a genetic disorder marked by hypoparathyroidism, certain heart defects, and a cleft lip or palate.

Cystography (tests & procedures)

A cystography is a procedure that uses a combination of contrast dyes and X-rays to find the source of problems in, or assess injuries to the bladder.

Glossary - Medical Genetics

Glossary of terms relating to medical genetics

Glossary - Neurological Disorders

Glossary of terms relating to nervous system

Glossary - Orthopedic Surgery

Glossary of terms relating to orthopedics

Endovascular Neurosurgery and Interventional Neuroradiology

Endovascular neurosurgery is a subspecialty within neurosurgery that uses catheters and radiology to diagnose and treat various conditions and diseases of the central nervous system.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a pain that originates along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the back of the pelvis down the back of the thigh.

Second Trimester Prenatal Screening Tests

Screening is usually performed by taking a sample of the mother's blood between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy (16th to 18th is ideal).

Teratogens Overview

Types of Surgery for Children

Surgery can be classified as major or minor, depending on the seriousness of the illness, the parts of the body affected, the complexity of the operation, and the expected recovery time.

Western Equine Encephalitis

This tests looks for the virus that causes Western equine encephalitis, an infection spread to people through bites from infected mosquitoes.

Glossary - Adolescent Medicine

Glossary of terms relating to adolescent medicine

Alpha-Fetoprotein (Blood)

If you are pregnant, this test looks for a fetal substance called alpha-fetoprotein in your blood. Higher levels of AFP may mean your fetus has a birth defect.

Folate

This test measures the amount of folate in either your serum or your red blood cells.

HLA-B27 Antigen

This test looks for a certain protein made by your immune system. The test can help tell whether you have an autoimmune disease.

Immunofixation and Protein Electrophoresis (CSF)

This test looks for certain proteins in a sample of your cerebral spinal fluid. Having these proteins may be a sign of multiple sclerosis or other central nervous system disorder.

Injectable Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid injections can treat a variety of skeletal, muscular, and spinal conditions. Some of these injections can be done by your health care provider during a routine clinic visit; others require a referral to a pain specialist.

Pain Management

It's normal to expect a certain amount of pain after surgery, but if the pain does not subside with pain medication, you may have a more serious problem. Your doctors and nurses will ask about your pain because they want you to be comfortable.

Panel Nixes Supplements for Bone Health

The (USPSTF) says that older women should not take low doses of calcium and vitamin D supplements to help prevent fractures. The panel is still weighing what to recommend on higher supplement doses.

Physical Rehabilitation at the Hospital

If you are in the hospital recovering from surgery, healing from an injury, or being treated for a disabling medical condition, physical rehabilitation may be an important part of your treatment.

Spinal Tap or Lumbar Puncture

A spinal tap, also called lumbar puncture, is done to measure the amount of pressure in the spinal canal and/or to remove a small amount of cerebral spinal fluid for testing.

The Radiologist

Radiology has become highly specialized, as have most other medical and surgical specialties. The current trend is for radiologists to become specialized in a particular discipline, such as cardiology (the study and treatment of the heart) or neurology (the study and treatment of the brain and nervous system).

VDRL (CSF)

This test looks for signs of neurosyphilis in your cerebrospinal fluid. Neurosyphilis happens when syphilis isn't treated and spreads to the spinal cord and brain.

Viral Culture

This test checks to see whether an infection is caused by a bacterium or a virus. It can also tell which specific virus is causing your infection.

Achondroplasia

Detailed information on achondroplasia, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Ataxia

Ataxia is a symptom—not a disorder. It refers to a failure of muscle control in the arms and legs, resulting in a lack of balance, coordination, and possibly a disturbance in gait.

Borrelia Antibody (CSF)

This test looks for Borrelia antibodies in your cerebrospinal fluid. bacteria cause Lyme disease.

Common Surgical Procedures

Detailed information on the most common surgical procedures, including appendectomy, breast biopsy, carotid endarterectomy, cataract surgery, cesarean section, cholecystectomy, coronary artery bypass surgery, debridement of wound, dilation and curettage,

Diagnostic Procedures for Bone Disorders

Detailed information on diagnostic procedures for bone disorders, including bone densitometry, radionuclide bone scan, and biopsy

Facts About Blood

Detailed information on blood, including components of blood, functions of blood cells and common hematology tests

Hip Replacement Surgery

This surgery may be considered as treatment after a hip fracture or for someone who has severe arthritis.

Poliomyelitis (Polio)

Detailed information on poliomyelitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Poliomyelitis (Polio) in Children

Detailed information on poliomyelitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Detailed information on toxic shock syndrome, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Detailed information on toxic shock syndrome, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Tuberculosis (TB)

Detailed information on tuberculosis, including risks, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Tuberculosis (TB) in Children

Detailed information on tuberculosis, including risks, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Types of Genetic Diseases

Genetic diseases are classified by type: chromosomal abnormalities, single gene defects, problems caused by exposure to certain substances, or a combination of these.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, a disorder in which mental functions deteriorate and break down.

Glossary - High-Risk Pregnancy

Glossary of terms relating to high-risk pregnancy

Neurological Examination for Children

Is it time for your baby to have a full physical exam? Your pediatrician might want to conduct a “neuro exam.” Don’t worry, this series of tests designed to evaluate your child’s nervous system is painless. Here’s what it entails.

X-rays of the Skull (tests & procedures)

X-rays of the skull may be performed to diagnose fractures of the bones of the skull, birth defects, tumors, and certain disorders that cause bone defects of the skull. Skull X-rays may also be used to evaluate the nasal sinuses and detect calcifications within the brain.

Diagnosing Cancer

Many tests are necessary to determine whether a child has cancer, or if another condition is mimicking the symptoms of cancer.

Fanconi Anemia

Fanconi anemia is a blood disorder in which the bone marrow doesn’t make enough blood cells or makes abnormal types of blood cells.

Fibrous Dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia is a chronic disorder in which bone expands because of abnormal development of fibrous tissue.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC)

This rare type of thyroid cancer has several forms, depending on the mutations that cause it. Most cases of medullary thyroid cancer, though, are sporadic—they occur without any family history of thyroid cancer.

Neurogenic Bladder

Detailed information on neurogenic bladder, including complications, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta is also known as brittle-bone disease because it is characterized by bones that break easily without a specific cause.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis associated with psoriasis, a chronic skin and nail disease.

Anorectal Malformation

An anorectal malformation is a birth defect in which the anus and rectum do not develop properly.

Chest X-ray (tests & procedures)

A chest X-ray is used to examine the chest and the lungs and other organs and structures located in the chest.

Diabetes and Pregnancy

It's important for a woman with diabetes to keep her blood sugar under tight control while she's pregnant.

Mediastinoscopy (tests & procedures)

A mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedure performed to examine the mediastinum - the space behind the sternum (breastbone) in the middle of the chest that separates the two lungs.

Neurocutaneous Syndromes

Neurocutaneous syndrome is a broad term for a group of disorders. These diseases are life-long conditions that can cause tumors to grow inside the brain, spinal cord, organs, skin, and skeletal bones.

Neurocutaneous Syndromes in Children

Trisomy 18 and 13

Trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 are genetic disorders that present a combination of birth defects including severe mental retardation, as well as health problems involving nearly every organ system in the body.

Common Tests During Pregnancy

Certain tests and screenings may be scheduled during your pregnancy. Your health care provider will advise you on which tests you'll need.

Injuries Jump Along with Bounce House Popularity

< Nov. 28, 2012 > -- They range in design from castles to desert islands to birthday cakes, but the object of these inflatables is the same: Give kids a fun place to bounce. Researchers caution, though, that too often children end up injured.

Osteomyelitis (Bone Infection)

Osteomyelitis is the medical term for a bone infection. Bone infections are caused when a break in the skin allows germs, usually bacteria, to spread into bone tissue. Bacteria can also spread from infections in other parts of the body by traveling through the blood to infect a bone.

Reactive Arthritis (Reiter's Syndrome)

Reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter's syndrome, is a type of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection somewhere in the body.

Staying Healthy After Menopause

Good nutrition and regular exercise can help you stay healthy and youthful at this stage of life.

About Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases

Arthritis, itself a group of more than 100 different diseases, is one category of rheumatic diseases.

About Pediatric Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases

Detailed information on pediatric arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, including causes, symptoms, and members of the treatment team

Bone Marrow Biopsy (tests & procedures)

A bone marrow biopsy involves removing tissue from the red bone marrow to be sent to the lab for microscopic examination.

Glossary - Oncology

Glossary of terms relating to cancer in children

Installing and Using Child Safety Seats and Booster Seats

As part of your preparation for your new baby, you probably got an infant safety seat for the car. But do you know how to make sure it’s installed properly? And when do you switch to a child safety seat? Learn the ins and outs of safe car travel for your little one.

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