Introduction The cervical spine is composed of seven vertebrae. With the exception of the first cervical vertebrae, each vertebra has an associated nerve that exits the foramen above the named vertebrae. Additionally, the vertebral artery enters the foramen transversarium typically…
Introduction Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is one of many conditions classified as enthesopathies, which result from progressive inflammation of the tendons and ligaments of the spine followed by degeneration and calcification. Other examples of enthesopathies include ossification…
Introduction The intervertebral disc allows axial loading that results from an upright posture of the spine. The disc is composed of two components, the outer fibrous annulus fibrosus and the central nucleus pulposus, and originates from the notochord. The nucleus…
Introduction Spondylolisthesis was first described by Herbiniaux, who noted the presence of a lumbar vertebrae ventral to the sacrum causing an obstruction to the progression of labor during a routine pelvic exam. The term “spondylolisthesis,” however, was not used until…