Pneumorrhachis is a medical term used to describe the presence of air or gas within the spinal canal. The word is spelled phonetically as /nuːmɒrˈreɪkɪs/. The first few letters of the word, "pneumo," come from the Greek word for "lung." The middle part of the word, "-rrhachis," refers to the spinal column. The final "-is" is a suffix that indicates a medical condition. While the spelling may seem complicated, it follows the standard rules of Greek and Latin root words that are frequently used in medical terminology.
Pneumorrhachis is a medical term used to describe a rare condition wherein air or gas accumulates within the spinal canal. The term is derived from the Greek words "pneumon," which means "lung," and "rachis," which refers to the spinal column or backbone. This condition occurs when air enters the spinal canal either as a result of direct injury to the lung or chest wall or through a communication with the surrounding structures.
Pneumorrhachis typically occurs in conjunction with other injuries, such as pneumothorax (air in the chest cavity), pneumomediastinum (air in the mediastinum), or pneumoperitoneum (air in the abdomen). It is most commonly caused by trauma, such as a severe chest injury or a spinal procedure that punctures the dura mater surrounding the spinal column. However, other underlying conditions, including infections, pneumonias, or diseases that cause lung or chest wall rupture, can also lead to the development of pneumorrhachis.
Symptoms of pneumorrhachis may vary depending on the underlying cause and the amount of air present within the spinal canal. Sudden, severe back pain, stiffness, or neurological deficits may be present in some cases. Diagnostic methods typically include imaging techniques such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment for pneumorrhachis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Conservative management, including observation and supportive care, is often sufficient for mild cases. However, more severe cases may require surgical intervention to address the root cause of the condition and prevent additional complications. Close monitoring of the patient is crucial to ensure optimal outcomes and prevent potential neurological deficits.
The presence of gas in the spinal canal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pneumorrhachis" is composed of two Greek roots: "pneumo-" and "-rrhachis".
1. "Pneumo-" (πνεύμων) is derived from the Greek word "pneuma" (πνεῦμα), which means "air" or "breath". It is associated with various medical terms related to air or gas, such as "pneumonia" (inflammation of the lungs), "pneumothorax" (air trapped in the pleural cavity), or "pneumonia" (gas or wind in the intestines).
2. "-rrhachis" (-ῥαχίς) is derived from the Greek word "rhachis" (ῥαχίς), which means "backbone" or "spine".