Ulnar Nerve Submuscular Transposition
Ulnar nerve entrapment (UNE) at the elbow, also known as cubital tunnel syndrome, is the second most common upper extremity focal neuropathy after carpal tunnel syndrome. The cubital tunnel is…
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
As described by Dr. Robert Cloward in 1953, posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) was originally performed using structural iliac crest bone graft and no supplemental internal fixation. Excellent results were…
Sublaminar Wiring Techniques in the Thoracolumbar Spine
Sublaminar wiring techniques became popularized in the 1980s with the introduction of the Luque rectangle method of segmental spinal instrumentation for deformity correction. In contrast to the hook-distraction rod methods…
Stereotactic Radiosurgery in the Thoracic Spine
One of the major advances in the treatment of thoracic spine tumors has been the development of high-dose conformal photon radiation therapy. 1 Improvements in imaging technology and computerized treatment…
Surgical Treatment of Meralgia Paresthetica
In 1895 Bernhardt and Roth first described lesions of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) leading to burning and tingling of the anterolateral thigh. Originally termed Bernhardt’s disease, meralgia paresthetica…
Posterolateral Lumbar Spine Fusion
Patient Selection Patient selection is a crucial factor for the success of lumbar spine fusions. Indications for posterolateral fusion of the lumbar spine include instability secondary to trauma, tumor, infection,…
Retropleural Approach to the Thoracolumbar Spine
The retropleural approach provides the shortest direct route to the ventral thoracic and thoracolumbar spine while avoiding entry into the pleural cavity. 1 The retropleural corridor maintains the visceral pleura…
Transpedicular Instrumentation of the Lumbar Spine
Introduction and Patient Selection Transpedicular screw fixation is commonly used as a means to treat spinal instability resulting from traumatic, neoplastic, congenital, or degenerative processes. Several techniques are used to…
Cervical Pedicle Screw Fixation
Posterior segmental fixation of the cervical spine has been widely performed for a number of years. Posterior segmental fixation reduces the need for external orthosis, which may allow for earlier…
Surgical Treatment of Isthmic Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is defined as a forward slippage of the vertebral body together with its pedicles, transverse processes, and upper articular processes caused by a break in the continuity or an…
