Summary of Key Points Osteoporosis and consequent vertebral and nonvertebral fractures are a major source of mortality and morbidity in the elderly population. Screening for osteoporosis is based on risk factors and patient age, with routine screening recommended for all…
Summary of Key Points The structure and alignment of the spine are highly susceptible in connective tissue disorders. Early onset and severity necessitate early recognition of pathologies and treatment, which poses challenges for spine growth and visceral function. Deformity may…
Summary of Key Points Tumors of the brachial plexus can extend into the cervical and upper thoracic spine, presenting unique neurosurgical management challenges. Paraspinal neural sheath tumors have contiguous extra and intraforaminal components that may extend intraspinally. Tumors of the…
Summary of Key Points Intramedullary lesions of the spinal cord encompass a wide range of histopathology. The majority of these lesions are benign and amenable to surgical resection. Unlike primary intracranial tumors, most intramedullary spinal cord tumors are histologically benign…
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 may present as part of a heritable clinical syndrome. Surgical decision-making should…
Summary of Key Points Metastatic spine disease is the most prevalent form of spinal neoplasm, with an increasing incidence secondary to aging population demographics and increased survival in oncology patients. Appropriate management of metastatic spine disease requires a multidisciplinary team;…
Summary of Key Points Primary tumors of the spine are far more rare than metastatic tumors. Management of spinal tumors is multidisciplinary, requiring a variety of treatment modalities. Treatment goals range from local disease control or cure to symptom palliation,…
Summary of Key Points Primary infection of the spine is an infection that spreads to the spine hematogenously, whereas a secondary infection is an infection that occurs following spine surgery (i.e., surgical site infection [SSI]). SSI is defined as an…
Summary of Key Points Spondylodiscitis is defined as infections involving various spinal elements, including vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs, the spinal canal, or paravertebral soft tissues. Spinal infections are broadly classified on the basis of etiology: pyogenic, granulomatous, and parasitic. Granulomatous…
Summary of Key Points The morbidity rate of cervical ossification of the longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is higher in East Asia than in Europe or North America. The ratio between men and women with cervical OPLL is 2:1, but the incidence…