Acromioplasty The most common surgical procedure for rotator cuff injuries. During this procedure, a surgeon makes an incision the size of a buttonhole, then inserts an arthroscope (a small camera) into the shoulder joint to view the affected area. Then, the surgeon shaves the underside of the acromion to increase the space between it and the injured rotator cuff tendon. This newly created space helps prevent pinching of the tendon and irritation during shoulder movements. The surgeon may also remove damaged tissue and repair minor tears. Bone Scan A procedure in which the doctor injects a small amount of a radiotracer (radioactive material) into a vein, typically in the patient's arm. Then, a special scanning camera passes over the patient's body, recording the distribution of radiotracer throughout the skeleton. A computer then translates this information into two-dimensional images recorded on film. Upon examining the bone scan, a doctor examines how the body absorbed the radiotracer. Healthy bone is characterized by uniform absorption throughout the body; areas of increased uptake appear as "hot spots" on the scan, and are associated with various abnormalities. Amyloid Osis The deposition of a waxy substance into tissues and vital organs). Bursa One of the small, fluid-filled sacs located near joints and bony prominences throughout the body Discogram A test used to determine the source of low back pain. During this procedure, a discographer inserts a needle into the patient's back into the center of a disc. Then, dye is injected into the disc. The response to this injection helps determine whether the selected disc is indeed the source of pain. Kyphoplasty A cutting-edge surgical procedure that relieves the extreme discomfort and potentially life-threatening pulmonary problems associated with spinal compression fractures. During this procedure, an orthopedic surgeon threads a balloon through a small incision using X-ray guidance, places it into the space left by the fracture and inflates it. Pushing the collapsed bone back into place, the inflated balloon restores the height of the fractured vertebra. This creates a cavity, which the surgeon fills with bone cement to create an internal cast and prevent further collapse. Lumbosacral Support A corset available at some pharmacies and medical-supply stores, which may discourage motion that causes pain and help ease walking and exercise. MRI Technology that images the spine using a magnet that circles the width of the body, providing highly refined detail of the spine�s anatomy. Myelography A variation of the skeletal CT scan that involves injection of a contrast dye directly into the spinal cord to provide fine detail of the spine, spinal cord and surrounding tissues. Orthoses Custom fitted shoe inserts Plantar Fascia The ligament between the front of the heel bone and the base of the toes that helps to support the arch. Skeletal CT Scan This test identifies abnormalities in the upper and lower spine such as spinal stenosis and is performed by a specially trained radiology technician. During the test, a body scanner delivers X-rays to selected bones or joints at several different angles. Then, a computer compiles this information to construct highly detailed, cross-sectional images that are displayed on a TV monitor and recorded on x-ray film. | 
