Summary of Key Points • Despite a geometric increase in the utilization of selective spine procedures and spine surgery, between 1990 and 2010 low back pain and neck pain increased…

Summary of Key Points • Thoracic disc surgery constitutes less than 4% of all disc operations. However, because of the high potential morbidity of this operation, multiple surgical approaches have…

Summary of Key Points • Tumors of the brachial plexus can extend into the cervical and upper thoracic spine, presenting unique neurosurgical management challenges. • Paraspinal nerve sheath tumors have…

Summary of Key Points • Intradural extramedullary spine tumors are rare entities that may present with nonspecific symptoms. • Nerve sheath tumors (i.e., schwannomas and neurofibromas), meningiomas, ependymomas, and hemangioblastomas…

Summary of Key Points • A wide array of tumors, both malignant and benign, can arise in the region of the foramen magnum. Collectively they make up about 5% of…

Summary of Key Points • Ankylosing spondylitis is a disabling seronegative spondyloarthropathy that results in progressively worsening back pain related to spinal deformity and may cause neurologic deficit. • Inflammation…

Summary of Key Points • For a diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome (CES), one or more of the following must be present: (1) bladder or bowel dysfunction, (2) reduced sensation…

Summary of Key Points • Scheuermann kyphosis is the most common cause of hyperkyphosis in adolescence. • There appears to be a major genetic contribution to the etiology. • The…

Summary of Key Points • Radiosurgery is safe and effective with durable symptomatic response and local control for even radioresistant histologies, regardless of prior fractionated radiotherapy. • The ability to…

Summary of Key Points • Biologic cell therapy for disc repair offers a minimally invasive and motion preserving alternative to fusion or total disc replacement in an attempt to address…