Summary of Key Points Congenital spine deformity originates in early gestation, with multiple combinations of failure of formation, segmentation, and other anomalies possible. Associated vertebral, intraspinal, and visceral anomalies are common and may be clinically hidden. Screening for renal, cardiac,…
Summary of Key Points Spinal dysraphisms result from errors in neural tube development; the types and severities of spinal dysraphism can be traced back to specific events in embryogenesis. Open neural tube defects, or spina bifida aperta, include myeloschisis, meningocele,…
Summary of Key Points Complications are common in spine surgery, with reported rates ranging from 8% to 40%. In addition to typical complications of surgery, spinal surgery presents unique complication risks, including neurological deficits, implant failure, and adjacent-segment disease, among…
Summary of Key Points Motion-preserving surgery has been developed in an attempt to reduce the likelihood of intervertebral disc degeneration at segments adjacent to a fusion. The functional spinal unit (FSU) is defined as the smallest motion segment of the…
Summary of Key Points Interbody cages are commonly used to supplement fusion procedures and function to stabilize the anterior spine, increase the area for fusion, provide indirect decompression of nerve roots, and restore lumbar lordosis. Cages may be inserted via…
Summary of Key Points Cantilever beam fixation, widely used in spinal instrumentation, is described as a beam that is rigidly fixed at one end and supports a load. Each screw and rod in a segmental/nonsegmental construct is a potential cantilever.…
Summary of Key Points Successful integration and mechanical performance of a bone graft in spinal fusion is a function of graft properties and the graft–host interface. The principles of osteoinduction, osteoconduction, and osteogenesis dictate bone graft incorporation, the process of…
Summary of Key Points From proximal to distal, nerve roots, spinal nerves, and peripheral nerves may be injured via stretch, compression, trauma, or iatrogenic mechanisms. The transition from dura to epineurium occurs within the nerve root sheath, which encases the…
Summary of Key Points The spinal cord is essential in the relay, modulation, and control of neurological information to and from the periphery. An understanding of the structural anatomy of the cord will allow for the study of its function.…
Summary of Key Points The pelvis is the foundation of the spinal column and has a primary role in determining the alignment of the spinal column. Pelvic version is important as a compensatory mechanism between mobile lower extremities and the…