Glossary of Spinal Terms

Anterior Cervical Discectomy
The most common surgical procedure to treat damaged cervical (neck) discs. For more information, see our Surgical Procedures page.

Anterior Cervical Fusion
A fusion accompanies an anterior cervical discectomy. During fusion surgery, a disc is removed, and the surgeon inserts a small wedge of bone between two vertebrae to restore disc space. Over time, the two vertebrae "fuse" together into a single solid structure. While this procedure limits movement and flexibility, it also helps relieve neck pain.

Bone graft for the purpose of spinal fusion may be harvested from the patient's hip (autograft bone), from a cadaver bone (allograft bone), or from synthetic bone graft substitutes, which are currently being developed more extensively. Your surgeon will help you decide what is best for you.

Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement
The artificial disc represents the best alternative to date for spinal fusion surgery. Each year in the U.S., more than 200,000 spinal fusion surgeries are performed to relieve excruciating pain caused by damaged discs in the low back and neck areas.

The goal is to take out all the disc material in between two vertebrae and put a moveable device in its place. Not everyone is an ideal candidate for artificial disc replacement. Dr. Ibrahim can discuss your options and specific situation, and determine if the procedure is right for you. For more information, see our Surgical Procedures page.

Allograft Bone
A graft using another person’s bone such as a cadaver — used to fuse cervical and lumbar discs. See also Autograft Bone.

Autograft Bone
A graft using the patient’s own bone — used to fuse cervical and lumbar discs. Dr. Ibrahim typically harvests bone from the patient’s pelvis. See also Allograft Bone.

Sources: Kyphon, Stryker, WebMD