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• Spondylosis Definition

Spondylosis Definition

When talking about spondylosis, it’s important to clarify its definition because it can easily be confused with similar-sounding spine conditions like spondylolisthesis or spondylitis. In actuality, these are very different conditions that require different types of treatment. Furthermore, spondylosis is a very general term that can be defined differently by different people, so arriving at a precise definition for spondylosis can be tricky.

Spondylitis, Spondylolisthesis, and Spondylosis Definitions

• Spondylosis – The basic definition for spondylosis? is “spine problem.” The term refers to age-related degeneration of the spine, either in the vertebrae, facet joints, or intervertebral discs. It is a general term used to describe the weakened state of the spine as people age. This weakened state can lead to specific problems like osteoarthritis of the spine, herniated discs or bulging discs that cause painful stiffness and neural compression. Spondylosis is not a diagnosis in and of itself.
• Spondylitis – Also called ankylosing or rheumatoid spondylitis, this condition refers to the chronic inflammation of the vertebrae and the joints surrounding the vertebrae, both facet and sacroiliac.
• Spondylolisthesis – This is a degenerative spine condition where one vertebra slips forward and over the vertebra directly beneath it. Mild cases are often asymptomatic, but more severe cases can cause compression on nearby spinal nerves.

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Surgery for Spondylosis

Now that we understand spondylosis and its definition, it’s clear that treatment is not targeted at the spinal degeneration in general, but at its effects, such as (1) painful, stiff facet joints that have lost their cartilage coating, or (2) neural compression due to herniated discs, bulging discs, bone spurs, spondylolisthesis, or spinal stenosis. Conventional surgery for these problems usually involves the removal of a large portion of the spinal anatomy and subsequent vertebral fusion using bone grafts and hardware.

If you feel that the risks and lengthy recuperative period of an open spine operation are not for you, contact the orthopedic team at Laser Spine Institute. Our experts are waiting to tell you more about minimally invasive spine procedures performed using safe, effective endoscopic technology.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.