Summary of Key Points • Myelomeningocele, or spina bifida aperta, is defined as a dorsally protruding open neural tube defect. The etiology of myelomeningocele is multifactorial and heterogeneous. • Prenatal…
Summary of Key Points • The prevalence of adult spinal deformity is increasing due to an aging U.S. population. • Open surgical correction has been shown to lead to significantly…
Summary of Key Points • Understanding spinal anatomy and the underlying structures provides grounds for managing spinal wounds. • Orderly and layered closure of any spinal wound, whether anterior or…
Summary of Key Points • The percutaneous vertebral augmentation procedures vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are indicated for painful vertebral compression fractures refractory to conservative medical management. • Vertebroplasty involves injection of…
Summary of Key Points • Minimally invasive spine surgery has gained popularity. It may be used for decompression and stabilization of all segments of the spine and spinal cord. •…
Summary of Key Points • Chiari malformations are a spectrum of conditions involving bone and parenchymal abnormalities of the hindbrain and craniocervical junction (CVJ). The most common variant, Chiari I,…
Summary of Key Points • Tobacco is responsible for one in five deaths, and tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of death and disability in the United States….
Summary of Key Points • Kyphotic cervical deformity can result in both neurologic deficits and functional difficulties. • Imaging is important in determining the degree of kyphosis and treatment strategies….
Summary of Key Points • The goal of minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) is to achieve equivalent or superior clinical efficacy compared with traditional open procedures along with minimal tissue…
Summary of Key Points • Rigid deformity requires an osteotomy for rebalancing of the spine. • Mild sagittal deformity with intact mobile discs can be treated with posterior column osteotomies….
