Glossary

Radial fissure or tear - Disruption of anular fibers extending from the nucleus outward toward the periphery of the anulus, usually in the vertical (cranio-caudal) plane, with occasional horizontal (transverse) components.

Resection - The surgical removal of part of a structure, such as bone.

Resorption - The removal of bone tissue by normal physiological process or as part of a pathological process such as an infection.

Rhizotomy - Surgical transection of a nerve root.

Rib Hump - The prominence of the ribs on the convexity of a spinal curvature, usually due to vertebral rotation best exhibited on forward bending.

Rod - In spinal applications, a slender, metal implant which is used to immobilize and align the spine.

Rotation - The movement of one vertebra to another about its normal or abnormal coronal axis.

Ruptured anulus - Disruption of the fibers of the anulus by sudden violent injury. Note: Separation of fibers of the anulus from degeneration, repeated minor trauma, other non-violent etiology, or when injury is simply a defining event in a degenerative process should be termed fissure or tear of the anulus. Rupture is appropriate when there is other evidence of sudden violent injury to a previously normal anulus. Ruptured anulus is not synonymous with ruptured disc, which is a colloquial equivalent of disc herniation.

Ruptured disc - 1A herniated disc. 2. (Non-Standard) [A disc in which the anulus has lost its integrity.]

Ruptured disc - 1. A herniated disc. 2. (Non-Standard) [A disc in which the anulus has lost its integrity.] See herniated disc, ruptured anulus.