42 Lateral Extracavitary Approach Beejal Y. Amin and Muwaffak Abdulhak I. Key Points – The posterolateral approach allows for circumferential neural decompression under direct visualization with extrapleural/extravisceral dissection. – Single-stage…

44 Costotransversectomy Dean B. Kostov and Adam S. Kanter I. Key Points – Conservative management of thoracic disc herniation with radiculopathy is the preferred primary management. – The presence or…

43 Transpedicular Approach Frank La Marca, Paul Park, and Juan M. Valdivia I. Key Points – Alternative posterior approach for anterior decompression avoids the morbidity associated with anterior (i.e., transthoracic,…

41 Thoracic Pedicle Technique Ryan J. Halpin and Tyler R. Koski I. Key Points – Transpedicular instrumentation allows for anterior and posterior column spinal fixation for a more rigid construct…

37 Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy Matthias Setzer, Nam D. Tran, and Frank D. Vrionis I. Key Points – The posterior cervical foraminotomy approach (also referred to as laminoforaminotomy) allows nerve root…

4 Thoracic Spine Ryan J. Halpin and Tyler R. Koski I. Key Points – The normal thoracic spine includes 12 rib-bearing vertebral segments; anatomical variations can have 11 or 13…

33 Anterior Cervical Discectomy Daniel C. Lu, Kevin T. Foley, and Praveen V. Mummaneni I. Key Points – Appreciation of the surgical anatomy of vital structures (carotid, esophagus, recurrent laryngeal…

27 Chiari I Decompression Mark S. Greenberg I. Key Points – Consistent feature of Chiari I: disruption of normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow through the foramen magnum. Most symptomatic cases…

50 Lumbar Foraminotomy (MIS) Ali A. Baaj and Juan S. Uribe I. Key Points – Removing more than one-third of the medial facet joint when performing a foraminotomy could lead…

26 Occipitocervical Fusion Edwin Ramos and Juan S. Uribe I. Key Points – Maintaining occipitocervical (OC) alignment, decompressing neural elements, and achieving a strong arthrodesis are the main goals of…