How Do You Spell DISCECTOMY?

1. Discectomy is a medical procedure that involves the surgical removal of part or the entire intervertebral disc in the spine. The intervertebral discs are the cushions located between the vertebrae in the spine that act as shock absorbers, providing flexibility and support to the spinal structure.

   Discectomy is typically performed to alleviate severe pain or other symptoms caused by a herniated or ruptured disc. A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of the disc protrudes through the tough outer layer, pressing against the nerves in the spinal canal and causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area.

   During a discectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the back or neck and uses specialized surgical tools to remove the damaged portion of the disc. In some cases, only a small portion of the disc may be removed to relieve pressure on the nerve. In more severe cases, the entire disc may be excised and replaced with an artificial disc or bone graft to restore stability to the spine.

   Discectomy is most commonly performed with the aid of a microscope, known as microdiscectomy, which allows for smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. The procedure is typically carried out by a highly skilled orthopedic or neurosurgeon. Following the surgery, physical therapy or rehabilitation may be recommended to help restore strength and mobility to the affected area.

Common Misspellings for DISCECTOMY

The word "discectomy" is derived from two Latin root words: "discus" and "tomia".

The term "discus" refers to the intervertebral disc, which is a cushion-like structure located between the vertebral bones of the spine. This Latin word traces back to the Ancient Greek "diskos", meaning "disc" or "quoit".

The second root word, "tomia", is derived from the Greek word "tomḗ", which means "incision" or "cutting". It comes from the verb "temnein", which means "to cut" or "to divide".