As a result of abnormal movement at the facet joint, a hypertrophic, osteoarthritic process known as spondylosis develops. Enlargement of the facet joints by this spondylotic process narrows the intervertebral…
MRI effectively demonstrates the bony architecture of the spine, the contours of the intervertebral disk, the paraspinal soft tissues, and the contents of the spinal canal. Various MRI sequences can…
Etiology. Cervical disk disease is likely multifactorial, with contributing factors ranging from advancing age to neck trauma to heavy lifting to smoking. The nucleus pulposus in the middle of the…
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs in more than 50% of patients who do not receive prophylactic measures. The first-line preventive measure are mechanical compression devices on the lower extremities, but…
Regardless of technique, the ultimate goal is to achieve a stable bony fusion in flexion, extension, and rotation as soon as possible. Metallic internal fixation devices provide stability and increase…
The surgical approach to the anterior cervical spine has not significantly changed for decades, but the various means of stabilization have changed dramatically. Typically, a transverse incision centered on the…
The pins are first tightened by hand, then with a torque wrench to 6 to 8 lb to engage the outer table of the skull. The torque should be rechecked…
The entire spinal column is at risk; 15% of fractures are multiple and involve different spinal segments. The cervical spine can be partially immobilized by a hard cervical collar, but…
In its more severe forms, the forces producing distractive flexion result in progressive anterior to posterior ligament failure in one or more cervical motion segments. With complete ligamentous failure, the…
Initially, as force is progressively applied, there is blunting of the anterosuperior aspect of the vertebral body, with the subsequent development of oblique fracture lines through the centrum of the…
