1 What is the lumbosacral junction? The lumbosacral junction consists of the L5 vertebra, the sacrum, and the articulations between both segments, consisting of the anteriorly located L5–S1 disc and posteriorly located L5–S1 facet joints. It also includes the ligamentous…
General considerations 1 Summarize the functions of spinal instrumentation in thoracic and lumbar fusion procedures. Enhance fusion . Spinal implants immobilize spinal segments during the fusion process and thereby increase the rate of successful arthrodesis. Restore spinal stability . When…
1 What are the indications for use of cervical spinal instrumentation? To immobilize an unstable spinal segment To promote bony union To improve soft tissue healing To correct spinal deformity To decrease or eliminate the need for external immobilization 2…
1 What are the various posterior surgical approaches to the thoracic and lumbar spine? A. Thoracic Midline posterior thoracic approach Posterolateral thoracic approaches Transpedicular Costotransversectomy Lateral extracavitary B. Lumbar Midline posterior lumbar approach Paraspinal lumbar approach C. Specific surgical approaches…
1 What are the most common surgical approaches to the occiput and cervical spine? A. Posterior Midline B. Anterior Transoral approach Extra/lateral/retropharyngeal approaches Anterolateral (Smith-Robinson) approach Posterior surgical approaches 2 What are the major palpable posterior anatomic landmarks and their…
1 What is spinal arthrodesis? Spinal arthrodesis is defined as osseous union (fusion) between adjacent vertebrae due to surgical intervention. During surgery, adjacent bone surfaces are decorticated and graft material is applied to promote bone growth between adjacent vertebrae. Spinal…
General principles 1 What is spinal decompression surgery? Spinal decompression is a general term that refers to a range of surgical procedures that are performed to relieve symptoms due to compression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. Spinal decompression…
1 What types of adverse events are encountered in the early postoperative period following spinal procedures? In the postoperative period, adverse events (AEs) may involve the surgical site or arise due to systemic or medically related causes. Surgical site AEs…
1 What is intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring? Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring refers to the various neurophysiologic techniques used to assess functional integrity of the nervous system during surgical procedures that place these structures at risk. 2 What neurologic structures are at risk…
1 What are some key areas of focus in relation to perioperative anesthetic management of spinal surgery patients? 1. Preanesthetic patient risk assessment and optimization for surgery 2. Assessment of procedure-specific risk factors 3. Identification of a potentially difficult airway,…