Glossary

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

Laminectomy - An operation for removal of part or all of the lamina of a vertebra, commonly performed in order to be able to remove an intervertebral disc protrusion or to decompress a nerve root.

Laser - Light Amplified 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.

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.

Limbus fracture - Traumatic separation of a segment of bone from the edge of the vertebral ring apophysis at the site of anular attachment. Note: Limbus fractures of various types may be accompanied by disc herniation, usually by either focal or broad-based protrusion. They may occur into the anterior zone or posteriorly into the zones where they may compress neural tissues.

Limbus vertebrae - Separation of a segment of rim of vertebral body ring apophysis. Note: Limbus vertebrae may result from fracture or from developmental abnormalities. Limbus vertebrae is commonly seen in patients who have had Scheuermann's Disease. The lesions may be called "rim lesions." The term is derived from the Latin nominative limbus and genitive modifier vertebrae, thus is singular.

Load Sharing - Structural support through grafts and/or implants.

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

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

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