The first successful report of a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) dates to 1940 when Cloward performed this operation using a shaped spinous process autograft. Since Cloward’s original report, many surgeons have modified this technique using various grafts, implants, and…
Summary of Key Points Posterior approaches are the cornerstone of thoracic spine surgery and are associated with decreased morbidity relative to anterior approaches. The four primary approaches are: midline, transpedicular, costotransversectomy, and lateral extracavitary. The optimal surgical approach depends upon…
Summary of Key Points Intraoperative imaging is an essential component of effective and safe spinal surgery. Common indications for intraoperative imaging include anatomic localization, placement and evaluation of spinal instrumentation, tumor resection, and assessment of decompression. Plain film radiography and…