Sublaminar wiring techniques became popularized in the 1980s with the introduction of the Luque rectangle method of segmental spinal instrumentation for deformity correction. In contrast to the hook-distraction rod methods…
One of the major advances in the treatment of thoracic spine tumors has been the development of high-dose conformal photon radiation therapy. 1 Improvements in imaging technology and computerized treatment…
In 1895 Bernhardt and Roth first described lesions of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) leading to burning and tingling of the anterolateral thigh. Originally termed Bernhardt’s disease, meralgia paresthetica…
Patient Selection Patient selection is a crucial factor for the success of lumbar spine fusions. Indications for posterolateral fusion of the lumbar spine include instability secondary to trauma, tumor, infection,…
The retropleural approach provides the shortest direct route to the ventral thoracic and thoracolumbar spine while avoiding entry into the pleural cavity. 1 The retropleural corridor maintains the visceral pleura…
Introduction and Patient Selection Transpedicular screw fixation is commonly used as a means to treat spinal instability resulting from traumatic, neoplastic, congenital, or degenerative processes. Several techniques are used to…
Posterior segmental fixation of the cervical spine has been widely performed for a number of years. Posterior segmental fixation reduces the need for external orthosis, which may allow for earlier…
Spondylolisthesis is defined as a forward slippage of the vertebral body together with its pedicles, transverse processes, and upper articular processes caused by a break in the continuity or an…
Lumbar disk arthroplasty uses spinal motion preservation technology for the treatment of degenerative disk disease. Implant design considerations include re-creation of near-normal physiological spinal segment motion by reproducing rotation, translation,…
Penetrating injuries to the spinal cord rank as the third leading cause of spinal cord injuries (SCIs), after motor-vehicle accidents and falls. Penetrating injuries account for almost 15% of new…
