Surgical treatment of spinal disorders at the cervicothoracic junction is challenging because of the complex anatomy and biomechanical properties of this region. Access to the cervicothoracic junction is complicated by important vascular, visceral, and soft-tissue structures, and knowledge of these…
Summary of Key Points The fundamentals of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques involve minimal muscle dissection and soft tissue trauma, and avoidance of detachment of the osteoligamentous structures, which may help preserve stabilizing structures; while reducing operative time, blood loss,…
Summary of Key Points Posterior minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches to the cervical spine have been shown to have clinical outcomes that are comparable to traditional open approaches, with a reduction in length of hospital stay and narcotic use and…
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major problem in today’s clinical practice. It is a condition presently handled by a multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neurointensivists, physiatrists, anesthesiologists, and trauma surgeons. Even though newer diagnostic techniques and our growing understanding…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis The goals of individual minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches in the cervical spine are to minimize disruption of the normal anatomic structures, to diminish soft tissue disruption, and to prevent both short-term and long-term morbidity while…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory polyarthritis that often involves the joints of the upper and subaxial cervical spine. The common spinal manifestations include atlantoaxial subluxation, rheumatoid basilar invagination, and subaxial subluxation. Important Points Selection…
Chapter Preview Chapter Synopsis Surgical exposure of the anterior cervicothoracic junction poses a unique challenge for spine surgeons. Several distinct features of this region contribute to the difficulty of approach. However, given the complexities and challenges of this region, subsequent…