Dr Adriaan Liebenberg My Spine Explained | Page 125

My Spine Explained
Arachnoid cyst – This is also a benign lesion and is formed from the inner
layer of the covering of the spinal cord. It is usually asymptomatic and will
only require surgery if it is very large and is causing symptoms secondary to
nerve compression.
Spondylolisthesis – This is the term that describes a slip of one vertebra on
the vertebra directly below and is secondary to a weakness in the bone that
supports the facet joints that keep the spine stable.
Spondylolysis – This is frequently the cause for spondylolisthesis and is the
process where the bone supporting the facet joints is weak and fractures.
Spondylosis – This is spinal degeneration and is characterised by bone spurs
(osteophytes) that develop on the vertebral bodies and are usually asympto-
matic, except if they compress nerves.
Cauda Equina – This term is Latin for horse’s (Equina) tail (Cauda). It
describes the nerve roots that dangle down from where the spinal cord ends
and looks like a horse's tail. The spinal cord ends at approximately the level
of the first lumbar vertebra. When these nerve roots become compressed the
resulting syndrome of pain, weakness and paraesthesia (pins and needles) in
the legs with associated bladder and bowel dysfunction is called Cauda
Equina syndrome. This is a spinal