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Articles and graphics courtesy of Medtronic Sofamor Danek, 2002.

Glossary

W

WEDGING - Deformity of vertebral body, caused by trauma or gradual collapse, resulting in wedgeshaped vertebra; can also occur congenitally.

WERTHEIM BOHLMAN - For occipital cervical fusion; use of iliac crest graft and wire fixation from occiput to C-2.

WHIPLASH - Poplar term for hyperextension-hyperflexion.

WHITECLIUD and LAROCCA - Anterior technique for cervical spine fusion using fibular graft.

WILTSE - A bilateral lateral spine fusion for spondylolisthesis.

WILTSE PLATE - Screw plate device for posterior spinal stabilization.

WINTER - For hemivertebra deformity; anterior and posterior approach with stabilization. Also a procedure for correction of congenital kyphosis, by using an anterior approach and strut bone grafts.

WIRE - Metal thread available in various diameters and various degrees of stiffness and is generally used in surgery to transfix fractured bone.

WISCONSIN (DRUMMOND) INTERSPINOUS SEGMENTAL SPINAL - Series of wires, rods, and buttons for multisegmental spine stabilization.