Adhesiolysis
Breaking down scar tissue.
Adhesions
Scar tissue.
Dura or Dural Sac
The sac which contains the nerves from the spine ( the spinal cord) and fluid (cerebrospinal fluid).
Dural Leak
A leak of the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid around the spinal cord) out of the dural sac.
Epidural space
The area of the spinal canal between the dural sac (which contains fluid and the spinal cord) and the bones.
Epiduroscopy
Passing a small fibreoptic scope into the epidural space and observing the presence of scar tissue, fat, nerves etc.
Epidurogram
Injection of dye which can be seen under X-ray into the epidural space.
Foramina
The holes either side of the spinal canal through which the nerves to the legs exit from the spinal canal.
Foraminal Stenosis
Narrowing of the Foramina (The holes either side of the spinal canal through which the nerves to the legs exit from the spinal canal).
Foraminostomy
Dilating the Foramina using the epiduroscope. The Foramina are the holes either side of the spinal canal through which the nerves to the legs exit from the spinal canal.
Inflammation
Redness, swelling and pain in an area.
Nerve Root
The beginning of the nerves which eventually form the sciatic nerve down the leg.
Pathological Findings
Abnormalities seen in the spinal canal. For example: scar tissue, inflammation, swollen nerves, engorged blood vessels.
Radiculopathy
See 'Sciatica'.
Sacro-Coccygeal Membrane
The very bottom of the spine, near the coccyx where the epiduroscope can be introduced.
Sciatica
Pain down the leg in a distribution which suggests it is due to inflammation or irritation of a nerve.
Through the scope, adhesions (scar tissue) can be visualized, nerve roots can be inspected and inflammation identified.