Overview The management of spinal infections involves several general considerations. The ultimate goals in management are eradication of the infection, preservation of neurologic function, and prevention of sequelae such as…
Overview The transthoracic approach to the midthoracic level is indicated when the anterior column is involved with tumor mass. This approach enables surgeons to accomplish complete ventral decompression of the…
Overview Several surgical approaches have been developed to remove thoracic vertebral lesions in an anterior to posterolateral direction. The choice of surgical approach is decided depending on the disease entity,…
Overview Balloon kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive options for treating painful vertebral compression fractures. These procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis; they can provide successful pain relief,…
Overview Classification The Lenke classification of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-tiered classification system that guides operative management of the spinal deformity ( Fig. 61-1 ). The classification is…
Overview Four topics will be addressed in this chapter: 1) normal vascular anatomy of the spinal cord; 2) vascular neoplastic lesions, represented by hemangioblastomas and cavernous malformations; 3) arteriovenous malformations…
Overview Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that affects approximately 197 people per 100,000 per year in the United States with a male-to-female predominance of…
Overview The delicate balance among the curves of the spinal column has allowed man to accomplish a unique feat among living organisms: upright bipedal ambulation. When examining human embryology, it…
Overview Primary tumors of the spinal cord are relatively rare, comprising 2% to 4% of all primary central nervous system tumors. Spinal tumors are generally identified by location and can…
Overview The lumbosacral junction–the confluence of the lumbar spine, sacrum, and ilium—can be afflicted by traumatic, infectious, degenerative, deformative (scoliosis), and neoplastic processes. Surgical management of diseases that affect the…
