Intervertebral Discs Disease and Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of Intervertebral Disc Disease and DDD.

Intervertebral discs

Structures that separate vertebrae and provide shock absorption to the spine and body.

Degenerative disc disease (DDD)

A condition characterized by the loss of elasticity, flexibility, and shock-absorbing capabilities of the intervertebral discs.

Nucleus pulposus

The center part of the intervertebral disc that thins and dries out in DDD, potentially leading to herniation.

Radiculopathy

A condition involving radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or decreased strength and range of motion, often associated with osteoarthritis of the spine.

Low back pain

The most common clinical manifestation of intervertebral disc disease or DDD.

Paresthesias

Numbness or tingling sensations, specifically in the legs, associated with intervertebral disc disease.

Cauda equina compression

Compression of multiple nerve roots resulting in bowel and bladder incontinence; it is considered a medical emergency.

Cervical disc disease

Disease of the discs in the neck where pain radiates to the arms and hands, often resulting in decreased reflexes and handgrip strength.

Diagnostic tests for disc disease

Methods including X-rays, Myelogram, MRI, CT scan, Epidural venogram, discogram, and EMG.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

A form of non-surgical conservative therapy used to manage intervertebral disc disease.

Drug therapy for disc disease

Medications including NSAIDs, short-term opioids, muscle relaxants, antiseizure drugs, antidepressants, and epidural corticosteroid injections.

Radiofrequency discal nucleoplasty

A surgical procedure where a radiofrequency probe generates energy to break up the nucleus pulposus, removing up to $20\%$ of it.

Laminectomy

The surgical removal of a disc through an excision in part of the vertebra.

Discectomy

The surgical decompression of a nerve root using microsurgical or percutaneous techniques.

Charit or Prodisc-L

Specific types of artificial discs used for replacement in lumbar DDD that allow for movement at the level of the implant.