Glossary items beginning with F (5).
Facet - A posterior structure of a vertebra which articulates with a facet of an adjacent vertebra to form a facet joint that allows motion in the spinal column. Each vertebra has two superior and two inferior facets. This is frequently where arthritic spurs can cause compression of nerve roots or canal stenosis.
Flatback Syndrome/Fixed Sagittal Imbalance Syndrome - Forward posture usually due to a flattened lumbar spine from postoperative or degenerative changes. When viewed from the side, the patient's head may be several centimeters in front of their hips.
Foramen - An opening allowing for the emerging of spinal nerve roots between two vertebrae.
Foraminotomy - A procedure carried out in conjunction with disc surgery. The foramen (openings for the individual nerve roots to pass from the spine) may become narrowed because of disc impingement, intervertebral collapse, and spondylolisthesis. The surgical widening of the foramen is an attempt to relieve the pressure on the nerve roots.
Fusion - The uniting of two or more bony segments.