Introduction Spinal tumors account for up to 15% of all tumors in the neuroaxis. Based on their anatomical location, the spinal tumors are classified as extradural, intradural extramedullary, or intradural intramedullary (spinal cord tumors). Intradural tumors account for 3% of…
Introduction Metastatic spine disease is one of the most feared complications of cancer with serious sequelae such as torturous pain, paralysis, and sphincter and sexual dysfunction. Approximately 30% of cancer patients develop symptomatic metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) and…
Introduction Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common type of spinal cord dysfunction in adults. This chronic spinal degeneration is characterized by intervertebral disc herniations, abnormal ligament and joint hypertrophy, and ossification. It almost invariably results in progressive neurological…
Introduction Thoracic disc herniations (TDHs) are commonly found on imaging and occur in up to 37% of asymptomatic individuals. A large proportion of TDHs are giant (occupying >40% of the spinal canal) and calcified with tendencies to adhere and erode…
Introduction Lumbar spinal stenosis is one of the most common diagnoses in the United States and worldwide that predominantly affects the aging population, with reported prevalence estimates up to 47%. Advanced disease results in back pain and neurological compression. Lumbar…
Introduction Back pain is prevalent in the United States and worldwide. Lumbar arthrodesis techniques are being increasingly used to address congenital, degenerative, and traumatic spinal pathologies. Adjacent segment degeneration continues to be a very common sequela of lumbar arthrodesis occurring…
Introduction Anterior cervical decompressions and fusions (ACDFs) are one of the most common spine surgeries worldwide and the gold standard treatment for symptomatic cervical spondylosis. Adjacent segment disease is a very common sequela and occurs in about 26% of all…
Introduction Low back pain is prevalent in the United States and the world, and spondylolisthesis is one of the most common causes of back pain with an estimated prevalence of 11.5%. Spondylolisthesis refers to the anterior, posterior, or rotational translation…