Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Indications and Techniques
The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is an often-overlooked source of low back pain that can radiate to the buttock, groin, or lower extremity. 1, 2, 3 A series of 200 consecutive…
Minimally Invasive Approaches to the Thoracic Spine
A variety of differing surgical approaches have been proposed and implemented in the treatment of thoracic spine pathology, with the latest advancements geared toward minimally invasive options. 1, 2, 3,…
Lateral Extracavitary Approach to the Thoracocolumbar Spine
Patient Selection 28.1.1 Indications The lateral extracavitary approach provides the greatest extent of circumferential spinal cord exposure possible using a posterior approach. This is accomplished by way of a midline incision;…
Surgical Techniques for Resection of Vascular Malformations within the Spinal Cord
Spinal vascular malformations (SVMs), including arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), are complex and challenging to treat. Advances in microsurgery, endovascular techniques, and neuroimaging have enhanced our ability to…
Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy and Diskectomy
Posterior cervical foraminotomy, with or without diskectomy, is a well described and minimally incisional procedure that is effective for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy owing to foraminal stenosis or a…
Minimally Invasive Decompression of the Cervical Spine
Degenerative disease of the cervical spine can cause compression of neural elements through disk herniation, ligament and facet joint hypertrophy, and the formation of vertebral body end plate osteophytes. A…
Primary Anterior Treatment of Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures
The treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures continues to evolve with technological advances. The goals of surgical management, however, remain unchanged: decompression, realignment, and stabilization with a minimum number of motion…
Expansive Open-Door Laminoplasty for Multilevel Cervical Canal Stenosis
In the past, total laminectomy without fusion was the standard method of decompression in cases of multilevel compressive myelopathy in the cervical spine. 1, 2, 3 It has been shown,…
Transoral Surgery for Craniovertebral Junction Abnormalities
Anterior approach to the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) was initially explored in Germany in 1935, but pathology at this location has been known for centuries. 1, 2 Numerous conditions warrant at…
Cervical Posterior Lateral Mass Fixation
Patient Selection Lateral mass instrumentation remains a fundamental technique in the posterior stabilization of the cervical spine. The efficacy of this method of fixation is dependent on patient pathology, anatomy,…
