Summary of Key Points • Histopathologic diagnosis is critical to understanding the natural history, aggressiveness, and likelihood of the tumor to respond to chemotherapy, radiation, or other adjuvant treatments. •…
Summary of Key Points • Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), mostly found in males in their mid-50s, occurs in up to 25% of North Americans with cervical myelopathy;…
Summary of Key Points • Studies have substantiated the existence of discogenic back pain associated with discrete annular tears and diffuse annular degeneration. Discogenic back pain is clinically characterized by…
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…
