Trapdoor Exposure of the Cervicothoracic Junction
A myriad of pathology may affect the lower cervical and upper thoracic spine, including both primary and metastatic tumors, as well as trauma blunt force and penetrating trauma. The standard…
High Anterior Cervical, Retropharyngeal Approach to the Ventral Craniocervical Junction and Upper Cervical Spine
The high anterior retropharyngeal approach provides an alternative to the more widely used transoral approach. In straightforward cases involving midline extradural lesions oriented to the level of the arch of…
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,…
