- spondylosis
- Ankylosis of the vertebra; often applied nonspecifically to any lesion of the spine of a degenerative nature. [G. spondylos, vertebra]- cervical s. s. affecting the cervical vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and surrounding soft tissue.
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spon·dy·lo·sis .spän-də-'lō-səs n, pl -lo·ses -.sēz or -lo·sis·es any of various degenerative diseases of the spine* * *
n.a spinal condition resulting from degeneration of the intervertebral discs in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions. Symptoms include pain and restriction of movement. Spondylosis produces a characteristic appearance on X-ray, including narrowing of the space occupied by the disc and the presence of osteophyte; these features of the disease (radiological spondylosis) may not be accompanied by any signs and symptoms. Pain is relieved by wearing a collar (when the neck region is affected) or a surgical belt (for the lower spine), which prevents movement. Very severe cases sometimes require surgical fusion.* * *
spon·dy·lo·sis (spon″də-loґsis) 1. ankylosis of a vertebral joint. 2. degenerative spinal changes due to osteoarthritis.
Medical dictionary. 2011.
