Summary of Key Points • Anatomy of the pedicle varies between levels; knowledge of this anatomy is essential for proper pedicle screw placement. • Other than intraoperative fluoroscopy, navigation systems…
Summary of Key Points • Anterior decompression and fusion of the thoracic and lumbar spine can be technically challenging and typically requires a thoracotomy or retroperitoneal approach involving the great…
Summary of Key Points • Proper positioning of the patient prior to surgery is key to facilitating exposure and minimizing positional complications such as facial edema, ophthalmic difficulties, pressure issues,…
Summary of Key Points • The paracoccygeal transsacral approach is a minimally invasive surgical technique to achieve lumbar interbody fusion at L5-S1 or both L4-5 and L5-S1. • The unique…
Summary of Key Points • Posterior fixation techniques provide anchors that allow for significant manipulation and fixation of the spine. • Construct planning is critical, and the biomechanics of the…
Summary of Key Points • Patient positioning is paramount for a successful procedure. • Triggered directional electromyography findings should guide retractor placement anterior to the femoral nerve. • Open (expanded)…
Summary of Key Points • Facet fixation has several advantages over the more frequently used pedicle screw fixation, including lower cost, less dissection, more room for bone graft, lower complication…
Summary of Key Points • Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become increasingly popular among both spine surgeons and patients. • Since the early 2000s, MIS technology (i.e., retractors, instrumentation, interbody…
Summary of Key Points • Construct design is a process that formulates a specific blueprint for an orderly and thoughtful assembly of implantable spinal instrumentation, designed to correct instability, deformity,…
Summary of Key Points • Posterior interbody fusion, combined with segmental instrumentation, has become increasingly popular since it was first described by Mercer in 1936 and expanded upon by Cloward….
