Obtaining surgical access to the anterior vertebral elements of the upper thoracic vertebrae (T1–6) presents a unique anatomical challenge. The thoracic cage, which narrows significantly as it approaches the thoracic…
Lumbar synovial cysts have been described in the literature as an uncommon cause of low back and radicular pain. These synovial cysts arise from facet joints in the lumbar spine,…
Exposure of the brachial plexus is a major task. Indications include trauma, tumors, and thoracic outlet syndrome. In this chapter, we describe the supraclavicular and infraclavicular approaches that expose the…
Patient Selection A variety of extradural tumors can involve the cervical spine. These include chordomas, giant cell tumors, aneurysmal bone cysts, and metastatic tumors. Radical surgical excision and stabilization constitute…
Ulnar nerve lesions at the wrist are well described ( ▶ Fig. 64.1). The site of compression is commonly known as Guyon canal, the space of Guyon, the distal ulnar…
In 1932 Schmorl published a manuscript in which he described common pathological changes of the lumbar intervertebral disk as found at autopsy. He famously described that in ~ 38% of…
Successful en bloc resection of the sacrum and lumbopelvic reconstruction requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the region and the functional and biomechanical consequences of such an operation….
Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a procedure that has become an important tool in the armamentarium of the modern spine surgeon. Over the last two decades, great advancements have…
Surgical repair of peripheral nerves is a well-researched technique to improve motor and sensory function after injury. Surgical intervention should not be attempted without complete understanding of the nerve anatomy…
Lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is an effective tool for correction of fixed sagittal deformity. As such, it is used primarily in the treatment of degenerative and iatrogenic kyphoscoliosis. This…
