Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

397
spinal fusion
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an internal splint to hold the vertebrae together
while the bone grafts heal and the spine fuses.
spinal nerve
One of the nerves that originates in
the spinal cord. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves:
8 cervical nerves, 12 thoracic nerves, 5 lumbar
nerves, 5 sacral nerves, and 1 coccygeal nerve.
spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal.
Spinal stenosis is most commonly caused by degen-
eration of the discs between the vertebrae. The
result is compression of the nerve roots or spinal
cord by bony spurs or soft tissues, such as discs, in
the spinal canal. This most commonly occurs in the
low back (lumbar spine) but can also occur in
the neck (cervical spine) and less frequently in the
upper back (thoracic spine). The symptoms of
spinal stenosis vary depending on the location on
the nerve tissues being irritated and the degree of
irritation. The neck being affected can result in
unusual sensations in the arms and/or poor leg
function and incontinence. When the low back is
affected, the classic symptom is pain that radiates
down both legs while walking and is relieved by
resting (pseudoclaudication). If symptoms of spinal
stenosis are mild, conservative measures designed
to relieve the nerve irritation are taken, such as
using medications to relieve inflammation, using
mechanical supports, and doing back exercises.
When symptoms are severe, persistent, and intoler-
able, surgical resection of the bone and soft tissues
that are impinging on the nerves and/or spinal cord
can be helpful.
spinal tap
See 
lumbar puncture.
spine 1
The column of bone known as the verte-
bral column that surrounds and protects the spinal
cord. The spine can be categorized according to the
level of the body: cervical spine (neck), thoracic
spine (upper and middle back), and lumbar spine
(lower back). See also 
vertebral column.
2
Any
short prominence of bone. For example, the spines
of the vertebrae protrude at the base of the back of
the neck and in the middle of the back. These spines
protect the spinal cord from injury from behind.
spiral CAT scan
A specialized computerized
axial tomography (CAT) scan technique that
involves continuous movement of the patient
through the scanner with the ability to scan faster
and with high definition of internal structures.
Spiral CAT scanning permits greater visualization of
blood vessels and internal tissues, such as those
within the chest cavity, than regular CAT scanning.
This form of scanning is particularly helpful in the
rapid evaluation of severe trauma injuries, such as
those sustained in automobile accidents. Also
known as helical CAT scan. See also 
CAT scan.