Background A vast majority (up to 80%) of the US population are estimated to experience an episode of low back pain (LBP) during their lifetime. A subset of these individuals will go on to develop chronic LBP, which can limit…
Summary of Key Points Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) provides a biomechanically sound structural intervertebral arthrodesis with a large fusion surface area. ALIF may indirectly decompress the exiting nerve roots by increasing the neural foraminal height. ALIF allows for improved…
Summary of Key Points Arachnoiditis is a nonspecific inflammatory process of the arachnoid layer of the spinal cord or cauda equina. There are three stages in the progression of arachnoiditis, including inflammation, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen deposition. There are many…
Summary of Key Points The majority of operative interventions on the spine in rheumatoid arthritis patients occur at the C1–C2 level because of pannus formation, atlantoaxial instability, or potential vertical subluxation of the dens/cranial settling. Current use of disease-modifying antirheumatic…
Spinal arachnoiditis is a nonspecific inflammatory process of the arachnoid layer of the spinal cord or cauda equina. Arachnoiditis was first described by Victor Horsley in 1909. Since Horsley, numerous authors have described it with a variety of terms, including…