ruptured intervertebral disc
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Definition
Noun: A ruptured intervertebral disc is a painful medical condition where the tough, fibrous outer layer (annulus fibrosus) of an intervertebral disc tears, allowing the soft, gel-like inner material (nucleus pulposus) to protrude or leak out. This most frequently occurs in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine.
Usage
This term is used in medical and clinical contexts to describe a specific spinal injury or degenerative condition. - It is a formal, technical term. - It is often synonymous with terms like herniated disc or slipped disc, though there can be subtle clinical distinctions.
Examples
- The patient was diagnosed with a ruptured intervertebral disc after experiencing severe sciatica.
- Chronic back pain and a ruptured intervertebral disc were confirmed by the MRI scan.
- Surgery may be required to treat a severely ruptured intervertebral disc.
Advanced Usage
- The condition is often described by its location, e.g., or .
- In detailed medical discussion, the stage of the rupture (e.g., protrusion, extrusion, sequestration) may be specified.
Variants and Related Words
- Herniated disc (n): The most common synonym in general and medical use.
- Slipped disc (n): A common, non-technical term for the same condition.
- Disc herniation (n): Another formal term.
- Prolapsed disc (n): Used particularly in British English.
- Intervertebral disc disease (n): A broader category that includes disc ruptures.
Synonyms
- Herniated disc
- Slipped disc
- Disc herniation
- Prolapsed disc
Related Phrases
- Sciatica from a ruptured disc: Describes the frequent symptom of leg pain caused by the disc material pressing on the sciatic nerve.
- Disc rupture surgery: Refers to surgical procedures like a discectomy or microdiscectomy performed to address the condition.
Noun
- a painful rupture of the fibrocartilage of the disc between spinal vertebrae; occurs most often in the lumbar region