Rhachicentesis is a medical procedure where a needle is inserted into the spinal canal to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid. The word is spelled as /ˌrækɪsɛnˈtiːsɪs/ in IPA phonetic transcription, which breaks down the word into syllables and identifies the stress on the second syllable. The "ch" between "ra" and "i" represents the hard "k" sound, while "centesis" refers to the medical procedure of puncturing or incision. Overall, the spelling of rhachicentesis may be challenging, but understanding its phonetic breakdown can aid in pronunciation.
Rhachicentesis is a medical term that refers to a procedure involving the puncture of the spinal cord for the purposes of collecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or administering medications directly into the spinal canal. It is also commonly known as spinal tap or lumbar puncture.
During the rhachicentesis procedure, a fine needle is carefully inserted into the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord, typically in the lumbar region. This space is located between the spinal cord and the protective membranes covering it. The needle is inserted through the skin, muscles, and ligaments until it reaches the desired site.
Rhachicentesis is typically performed for diagnostic reasons, aiming to collect samples of cerebrospinal fluid for laboratory analysis. It can be used to diagnose various medical conditions, such as infections, inflammatory disorders, or certain types of cancers affecting the central nervous system.
Additionally, rhachicentesis can also be used therapeutically to administer medications, such as spinal anesthesia or chemotherapy, directly into the spinal canal. This route allows for effective drug delivery as the medications can bypass the blood-brain barrier and reach the central nervous system directly.
While rhachicentesis is generally considered a safe procedure, potential risks include headache, back pain, infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. It is typically performed by trained healthcare professionals, often under sterile conditions, to ensure patient safety and accurate sample collection.
Rhachiocentesis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "rhachicentesis" is a medical term that is derived from two Greek roots: "rhachis" meaning "spine" and "kentesis" which means "puncture".
The term refers to a medical procedure known as "spinal tap" or "lumbar puncture", which involves the insertion of a needle into the spinal canal to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The word "rhachicentesis" combines these Greek roots to describe the puncture or aspiration of the spinal canal.