Controversies in Spine Surgery

Drawing on the expertise of world-renowned orthopedic and neurological spine surgeons, Controversies in Spine Surgery: Best Evidence Recommendations compiles, summarizes, and synthesizes the most relevant scientific literature available in the field today. Each succinct, problem-oriented chapter addresses a different controversial issue where there is a lack of consensus about the best possible course of action. The authors provide guidance and objective recommendations for each scenario based on the most relevant data found in the literature to give surgeons the background they need to make fully informed treatment decisions. Features: * Concise outline format enables rapid reading for the busy spine surgeon * Invaluable synopses of highly practical evidence-based literature * Detailed coverage of commonly disputed issues, such as how to manage vertebral compression fractures, surgery for axial back pain, minimally invasive lumbar fusion, the use of prophylactic antibiotics in spine surgery, and much more *Grading of Best Evidence feature in which the authors rate the viability of the data presented * Numerous summary tables throughout the text emphasize the main conclusions of published studies * Pearls highlight important points in each chapter This cutting-edge clinical reference will help every resident, fellow, and spine surgeon in orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery streamline their medical decision making process and improve their patient care. This is exactly the book one should have ready access to.--American Journal of Neuroradiology All providers who care for patients with spinal problems should consider using this book to help with decision making for their patients on an everyday basis.--Journal of Neurosurgery [Provides] a thorough review of the literaturenicely arranged...concise, thorough and well organizedhelpful tables and references.--Doody's Review5 star rating - Eric M. MasscicotteThe topic of trauma is well covered and has a high degree of clinical relevance to spinal trauma patients- Eric M. MasscicotteAwide audience can benefit from reading this book. Eric M. MasscicotteI look forward to reading future editions Eric M. MasscicotteSection I - Introduction 1.1Introduction Section II - Trauma Cervical Spine 2.1Clearing cervical spine injuries -- MRI, dynamic x-rays, CT 2.2Type II odontoid fractures -- surgery versus conservative, anterior versus posterior approach, role of Halo 2.3Management of cervical facet fractures -- surgical indications and approach 2.4Management of cervical facet dislocations -- role of MRI, timing of reduction, anterior versus posterior approach Thoracolumbar Spine 2.5Thoracolumbar burst fracture -- surgery versus conservative care 2.6Vertebral compression fracture -- surgery versus conservative care, does augmentation increase future fracture risk, vertebroplasty vs. kyphoplasty Spinal Cord Injury 2.7Use of steroids for spinal cord injury 2.8Role of early surgical decompression for spinal cord injury Section III -- Degenerative Cervical Spine 3.1Cervical myelopathy -- anterior versus posterior approach, timing of surgery, meaning of MRI signal changes 3.2Adjacent level cervical degeneration -- effect of fusion, sagittal alignment, plate position Thoracolumbar Spine 3.3Adult low grade spondylolisthesis -- conservative versus surgery, surgical approach, role of fusion, role of instrumentation 3.4Surgery for low back pain -- surgical approach, discogram, facet injections 3.5Recurrent lumbar disk herniation -- repeat discectomy vs. fusion 3.6Management of thoracic disk herniation Section IV -- Technology 4.1Rigid versus dynamic cervical plates -- indications and efficacy 4.2BMP in the cervical spine -- efficacy and associated risks 4.3Role of cervical disk replacement - Does it avoid the shortcomings of a fusion? 4.4Role of lumbar disk replacement - Does it avoid the shortcomings of a fusion? 4.5Minimally invasive lumbar fusion -- results and complications compared to open techniques 4.6The meaning of MRI findings with regards to posterior ligamentous disruption and stability in the setting of trauma 4.7Use of neuromonitoring in spinal surgery - indications Section V -- Infection 5.1BMP in the setting of infection -- indications, risks and efficacy 5.2Spine infections -- medical vs. surgical treatment options