Summary of Key Points • In distraction, when applied away from the instantaneous axis of rotation (IAR), the resultant force develops a bending moment. When applied close or in line…
Summary of Key Points • The craniocervical junction includes the occiput, atlas, and axis. • Stability is provided by the cup-shaped configuration of the occiput and atlas, but it is…
Summary of Key Points • Cervical spondylotic myelopathy may be multilevel. • Three- and four-level cervical plated corpectomy has a high rate of failure, partially because there are only four…
Summary of Key Points • Retropleural thoracotomy provides the shortest, most direct, surgical approach to the ventral thoracic and thoracolumbar spine and spinal canal. • Avoidance of pleural entry reduces…
Summary of Key Points • Cantilever beam fixation, widely used in spinal instrumentation, is described as a beam that is rigidly fixed at one end and supports a load. •…
Summary of Key Points • Instability of the craniocervical junction can result in severe neurologic compromise. • Instability can result from trauma, tumors, rheumatoid arthritis, infection, congenital, or iatrogenic etiology….
Summary of Key Points • The lateral extracavitary approach (LECA) can be used for surgical treatment of spinal tumors, disc herniations, fractures, and infections, enabling access to both the ventral…
Summary of Key Points • Understanding the anatomy of the cervical spine and neck is of the utmost importance for the surgeon operating in this region. • The anatomy of…
Summary of Key Points • Spine surgery may destabilize the spine. In such cases, an attempt to stabilize the spinal column should be considered. • Complex spine surgeries due to…
Summary of Key Points • Surgical success depends primarily on the surgeon’s proficiency and experience, knowledge of the thoracic spine anatomy, operative techniques, spinal biomechanics, and adequate indications for surgery….
