Cerebral – Deep
Introduction The notion that functional brain disorders can be treated by modulating the activity of subcortical brain regions is as old as modern neurosurgery. Meyers is credited with performing the…
The Electrode – Principles of the Neural Interface: Axons and Cell Bodies
Introduction Therapeutic interventions with electrical stimulation of the nervous system have a long and successful history. The fundamental feature of clinical applications of neurostimulation is the interaction between the stimulating…
The Electrode – Materials and Configurations
Physical basis of the electrode/electrolyte interface When a metal electrode is placed inside a physiological medium, such as extracellular fluid (ECF), an interface is formed between the two phases. In…
Peripheral Nerve
Introduction One of the less common areas of neuromodulation, peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is probably its fastest growing direction, at least in the field of pain treatment. The approach, which…
Surgical Resection of Sacral Tumors/Sacrectomy and Lumbopelvic Reconstruction
Overview Most tumors of the sacrum are benign aggressive lesions—aneurysmal bone cysts, osteoblastomas, and giant-cell tumors—or low-grade malignancies, such as chordoma or chondrosarcoma. Intralesional resections in the form of curettage…
Bacterial, Fungal, and Tuberculosis Diskitis and Osteomyelitis of the Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Spine
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…
Thoracoabdominal Approach to the Thoracolumbar Junction
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…
Surgical Anatomy and Posterior Approach to the Thoracic and Thoracolumbar Spine
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,…
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
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,…
Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Lenke Curve Types 1 Through 6
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…
