Summary of Key Points Spinal cord injury results from both the primary injury and a subsequent secondary injury cascade. Understanding the secondary cascade of spinal cord injury has identified potentially modifiable components, and may translate to future treatment strategies in…
Summary of Key Points Whereas Schwann cells support peripheral nervous system (PNS) regeneration, oligondendrocytes fail to support long-distance axonal growth in the central nervous system (CNS). Common and different signaling pathways in both the CNS and the PNS, as well…
Summary of Key Points Fractures of the thoracolumbar region are the most common injuries of the vertebral column, with the leading cause of significant thoracolumbar injury being high-energy and high-velocity trauma. Critical factors necessitating evaluation include: neurological status, stability of…
Summary of Key Points Cervical spine fractures must be treated from two perspectives: neural injury and spinal instability. Computed tomography is the first-line diagnostic test for suspected cervical spine injury. Rapid decompression of neural elements and restoration of spinal stability…
Summary of Key Points Occipitocervical injuries should always be suspected and ruled out in patients with high-energy injuries to the head and neck. Occipitocervical injuries can be highly unstable, and great care should be taken to stabilize the patient during…
Summary of Key Points Isthmic and degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis are common lumbar deformities associated with a significant impact on the health status of affected patients. Surgery for symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis is supported by clinical trial evidence. Published guidelines support a…
Summary of Key Points Adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) is a debilitating condition, with a spectrum of clinical presentations and spinal misalignment. There has a significant trend toward higher demand for management of ADS (both surgical and nonsurgical) in recent years.…
Summary of Key Points Cervical spine deformity is a leading cause of morbidity and poor patient quality of life in the adult spinal deformity population. Although a standardized classification system is yet to be validated, the most common qualitative radiographic…
Summary of Key Points The disc has a complex organization that confers unique biomechanical properties. Disc subtissues (nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and end plate) have differing matrix structures and cell phenotypes. Poor vascular supply is an important factor affecting the…
Summary of Key Points The thoracic spine has unique biomechanical and physiological features, creating a relatively rigid transition zone flanked by more mobile cervical and lumbar regions. The thoracic spinal cord is less prone to dynamic compression than the cervical…