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Iliac Bone

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:52:58 -0800

Definition

Upper crest or "wings" on the pelvic girdle. The uppermost and widest of the three bones constituting either of the lateral halves of the pelvis.

Iliac bone is commonly used for autogenous bone grafts in spine surgery.

Related information

Inflammation

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:52:59 -0800

Definition

The body's response to injury to vascular tissues. Without inflammation, pathogens and injury would run unchecked, potentially destroying the body. Chronic inflammation, as opposed to acute inflammation, represents a change in the makeup of cells found at the inflamed site.

Because most episodes of back pain have inflammation as a contributing factor, anti-inflammatory medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often effective treatment options.

Informed Consent

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:52:59 -0800

Definition

A process in which an individual is given important facts about a medical procedure, treatment, or clinical trial before deciding whether or not to participate.

Informed consent includes information about the possible risks, benefits, and limits of the procedure, treatment, or clinical trial, as well as available alternatives.

Related information

Red flags from a spine surgeon

Institutional Review Board

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:52:59 -0800

Definition

A group of scientists, doctors, clergy, and consumers that reviews and approves the action plan for every clinical trial in order to protect the people who take part in clinical trials.

There is an IRB at every health care facility that conducts clinical research. IRBs check to see that clinical trials are well designed, legal, ethical, do not involve unnecessary risks, and include safeguards for patients.

Internal Disc Disruption

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:00 -0800

Definition

Disorganization of structures within the disc space. This condition is marked by internal changes in the disc, with degradation of the nuclear matrix and internal radial fissures.

IDD remains controversial because diagnosis is subjective, requiring not only a pattern of pain and shape on discography, but also subjective patient report about the pain. Until scientific verification is forthcoming, any invasive procedure should be restricted.

Internal Fixation

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:00 -0800

Definition

Immobilization of the spine (usually with implants such as metallic screws and rods/plates, or interbody cages). Internal fixation serves to immobilize the spine while the bony bridge heals across the two vertebrae.

Metal fixation of the spine is considered a temporary splint to the spine to hold it while it fuses. If it fails to fuse(pseudoarthrosis) the metal can fatigue from the continued motion and may eventually break, pullout or loosen.

Intervertebral Disc

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:01 -0800

Definition

The shock-absorbing structure between each vertebra. The disc has a thick outer layer (annulus) that surrounds the soft gel-like center (nucleus). Intervertebral discs act as cushions in between vertebrae. The spinal canal, containing the spinal nerves, lies directly behind the disc and the vertebral bodies.

Investigational Device Exemption

spine-health — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:53:01 -0800

Definition

A phase in clinical trials for new medical devices. IDE allows sponsors to test their devices for safety and efficacy in multiple patient centers. IDE is granted by the FDA.

Innovations in spine procedures relying on devices, rather than pharmaceuticals, can be tested in patient populations sooner under IDE. Pharmaceuticals must go through longer trial periods before approval is received for testing in human patients.