Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) has unique characteristics in multiple lesions from the cervical spine to the lumbar spine and in its gradual extension of ossification. The clinical course resembles that of spondylosis. However,…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis Cervical deformity is disruption of normal cervical alignment. This chapter focuses on the different causes of cervical deformity, normative data, and deformity evaluation and examination and presents various treatment options for the proper management of these…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is spinal cord dysfunction accompanying age-related degeneration of the cervical spine. The lack of prospective studies of its natural history and vague clinical symptoms pose difficult challenges for clinicians. This chapter aims…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis Cervical radiculopathy is defined as pain with or without a motor, sensory, or reflex deficit that is caused by cervical nerve root compression or irritation. Typically, cervical radiculopathy has a favorable natural history. This chapter reviews…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis Cervical disk degeneration becomes more prevalent with increasing age and can affect both male and female patients equally. Genes associated with disk degeneration include those coding for collagen I and IX, vitamin D receptor, and matrix…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis This chapter discusses the application of various intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) techniques (also known as modalities) during cervical spine surgery, namely, somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs), transcranial electrical motor-evoked potentials (TCeMEPs), direct epidural potentials, spontaneous electromyography (sEMG), triggered…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is instrumental in evaluation of symptomatic cervical spine degeneration and guidance of surgical treatment. In the setting of trauma, MRI can help define unexplained neurologic injuries, assess for soft tissue damage, and…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis Conventional radiographs and computed tomography (CT) imaging are integral parts of the evaluation of a patient with suspected cervical spine abnormalities. The treating clinician must have a thorough understanding of the role of the imaging studies…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis This chapter describes a methodical approach to the patient with suspected cervical spine disease. Characteristic aspects of the history and physical examination are discussed and warning flags for musculoskeletal and neurologic diseases which mimic spinal disease…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis The determination of spine stability is a controversial topic and continues to evolve. Understanding the anatomy and the biomechanical principles is fundamental to the performance of successful cervical spine surgery. The clinician must possess broad knowledge…