Evaluation 1 Discuss the epidemiology of back pain in children compared with adults. Traditionally, back pain in children was considered uncommon, and thought to be associated with a definable cause. Current data show that back pain is a frequent complaint…
General considerations 1 Why is the term failed back surgery syndrome considered controversial? Failed back surgery syndrome is an imprecise term used to refer to patients with unsatisfactory outcomes after spine surgery due to persistent or recurrent pain in the…
1 What is the lumbosacral junction? The lumbosacral junction consists of the L5 vertebra, the sacrum, and the articulations between both segments, consisting of the anteriorly located L5–S1 disc and posteriorly located L5–S1 facet joints. It also includes the ligamentous…
General considerations 1 Summarize the functions of spinal instrumentation in thoracic and lumbar fusion procedures. Enhance fusion . Spinal implants immobilize spinal segments during the fusion process and thereby increase the rate of successful arthrodesis. Restore spinal stability . When…
1 What are the various posterior surgical approaches to the thoracic and lumbar spine? A. Thoracic Midline posterior thoracic approach Posterolateral thoracic approaches Transpedicular Costotransversectomy Lateral extracavitary B. Lumbar Midline posterior lumbar approach Paraspinal lumbar approach C. Specific surgical approaches…
1 What is spinal arthrodesis? Spinal arthrodesis is defined as osseous union (fusion) between adjacent vertebrae due to surgical intervention. During surgery, adjacent bone surfaces are decorticated and graft material is applied to promote bone growth between adjacent vertebrae. Spinal…
General principles 1 What is spinal decompression surgery? Spinal decompression is a general term that refers to a range of surgical procedures that are performed to relieve symptoms due to compression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. Spinal decompression…
1 What types of adverse events are encountered in the early postoperative period following spinal procedures? In the postoperative period, adverse events (AEs) may involve the surgical site or arise due to systemic or medically related causes. Surgical site AEs…
1 What is intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring? Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring refers to the various neurophysiologic techniques used to assess functional integrity of the nervous system during surgical procedures that place these structures at risk. 2 What neurologic structures are at risk…
1 What are some key areas of focus in relation to perioperative anesthetic management of spinal surgery patients? 1. Preanesthetic patient risk assessment and optimization for surgery 2. Assessment of procedure-specific risk factors 3. Identification of a potentially difficult airway,…