The upper cervical spine is a unique portion of the spine that allows great mobility. The distinctive architecture, including the articulation of the dens with the anterior ring of C1,…
Surgery involving the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) is universally accompanied by questions about postoperative stability. This junction must be crossed in treating many pathologic conditions: tumors, trauma, infections, and inflammatory, degenerative,…
Lumbar spinal fusion is used to treat a wide variety of spinal disorders, including degenerative spinal pathologic processes, degenerative conditions that result in segmental instability, spinal deformities that lead to…
Scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional rotational deformity affecting the spine in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes. Treatment paradigms should address all three components of this disorder. Surgical treatment of…
High-grade lumbosacral spondylolisthesis is rare and likely a distinct entity from low-grade spondylolisthesis. Although the etiology of the condition is not completely understood, it is likely the result of a…
Cervical facet dislocations, also known as jumped facets, are the result of a hyperflexion or flexion distraction injury, often associated with a component of rotation. In cases of unilateral dislocation,…
Atlantoaxial arthritis is not as common as arthritis of the subaxial spine, but when it occurs, it can be associated with severe pain and myelopathy. Most commonly occurring in the…
Degenerative lumbar scoliosis is a common spinal disorder with variable presentation and treatment options. Degenerative scoliosis has important differences from adult idiopathic scoliosis, including a new onset of deformity, a…
The surgical management of vertebral metastases has evolved in recent decades with the refinement of surgical techniques and advancements in spinal instrumentation. Despite these advances, debate exists regarding the best…
The diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic lumbar intervertebral disk degeneration remains controversial in the medical literature. Although the pathoanatomy of the diseased intervertebral disk has been understood for quite a…
