HYDROMYELOCELE Meaning and
Definition
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Hydromyelocele is a medical term derived from the combination of the words "hydro," referring to water or fluid, "myelo," referring to the spinal cord, and "cele," which means swelling or sac. It is a rare congenital condition characterized by the presence of a fluid-filled sac or cyst within the spinal canal that protrudes through a defect in the bones of the spine.
In hydromyelocele, there is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the spinal cord, resulting in the formation of a sac or cyst. The cyst typically bulges outwards, causing a visible swelling on the back. This condition primarily occurs during fetal development and is considered a type of spina bifida.
Hydromyelocele shares similarities with other types of spina bifida, but it is distinct in that the cyst contains fluid rather than neural tissue. Due to the abnormal growth of the spinal cord, individuals with hydromyelocele may experience various symptoms such as muscle weakness, bladder or bowel dysfunction, and sensory abnormalities.
The diagnosis of hydromyelocele is typically made using imaging techniques such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans. Treatment usually involves surgical intervention to repair the spinal defect and remove the cyst, as well as to reposition the spinal cord to its proper location within the spinal canal.
Overall, hydromyelocele is a relatively rare condition characterized by the presence of a fluid-filled cyst within the spinal canal, which typically requires surgical management to prevent further complications.
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The protrusion of a portion of cord, thinned out into a sac distended with cerebrospinal fluid, through a spina bifida.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYDROMYELOCELE
- hydromyelocene
- hydromyeloceme
- hydromyelocelu
- hydromyelocelm
- hydromyelocela
- hydromyelocelg
- hydromyelowcele
- h ydromyelocele
- hy dromyelocele
- hyd romyelocele
- hydr omyelocele
- hydro myelocele
- hydrom yelocele
- hydromy elocele
- hydromye locele
- hydromyel ocele
- hydromyelo cele
- hydromyeloc ele
- hydromyeloce le
- hydromyelocel e
Etymology of HYDROMYELOCELE
The word "hydromyelocele" can be broken down into its parts to understand its etymology:
1. Hydro-: This prefix comes from the Greek word "hudro", meaning "water". It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a relation to water or fluid.
2. Myelo-: This prefix is derived from the Greek word "myelos", which translates to "marrow". In medical terminology, it typically refers to the spinal cord or bone marrow.
3. -cele: This suffix originates from the Greek word "kele", meaning "tumor" or "swelling". It is often used in medical terminology to indicate an abnormal sac or cavity.
Combining these parts, "hydromyelocele" can be understood as a term to describe a condition characterized by a sac or swelling containing fluid that is related to the spinal cord or bone marrow.
