Laser Spine Surgery

This book describes and illustrates state-of-the-art techniques in laser spine surgery. Laser technology has revolutionized surgeries in many specialties to perform minimally invasive and cutting-edge procedures. Recent advances in spinal surgery have led to the increasingly widespread use of minimally invasive techniques based on endoscopy and microscopy. Nevertheless, the application of laser in the context of spinal surgery remains less well known, and the aim of this book is to present practical usage of laser in spine surgery to our readers. A wide variety of minimally invasive approaches to spine surgery using CO2, Ho: YAG, and Nd: YAG lasers are presented in detail, with a discussion of equipment and specific recommendations on laser settings. Care has been taken to ensure that the content is faithful to the fundamental principles of spine surgery and evidence-based medicine. The book will be an essential resource for all who use or are intending to use lasers in spine surgery.

This practical guide, beautifully illustrated with line drawings and images throughout, covers the basic science, laser physics, patient selection, diagnostic maneuvers and useful imaging methods of PLDD. In addition, step-by-step instructions are given on needle placement, how to enter difficult discs, and delivery of laser energy. Also included are chapters on possible complications and how to manage them, when to consider a repeat procedure, as well as long term rehabilitation.

This book describes and illustrates a variety of minimally invasive approaches to the thoracic spine, covering procedures applicable in not only degenerative diseases but also deformities and trauma. Surgery to the thoracic spine is demanding because of the surrounding ribs, lungs, heart, and large blood vessels and the challenges posed by the vulnerable spinal cord within a relatively small spinal canal. Consequently, postsurgical morbidity is often high. In this context, minimally invasive surgery offers significant benefits, but to date, comprehensive coverage in textbooks is lacking owing to the limited experience in the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques. This book will be ideal for all who are searching for clear guidance that is faithful to the established principles of spine surgery and evidence-based medicine. In addition to the comprehensive coverage of procedures appropriate in different pathologies, including thoracic disc herniation, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, ossification of the ligamentum flavum, and stenosis, individual chapters address the transforaminal endoscopic approach, interventional treatment, intraoperative neuromonitoring, and navigation for thoracic spine surgery.

Millions of people every year experience back pain. In the past, major surgery was often their only recourse. But today, for 80 to 90 percent of back pain sufferers, long-term relief no longer has to involve complicated medical procedures, extended hospital stays, and weeks of recovery. In this informative, user-friendly guide, renowned spine surgeon Dr. Michael Hasz explores options for eliminating back pain without surgery or with minimally invasive surgery. The treatment choices he covers range from weight loss and exercise, to acupuncture and injections, to recent developments in regenerative and stem cell therapies. In addition, he details the most accurate and up-to-date diagnostics, as well as the evolution in laser technology, which has led to more accurate and effective surgeries. There's no need to suffer any longer. This invaluable resource will help you make the right decisions about procedures and lifestyle, and point you down the path to being pain-free.

Provides guidance on how to perform a wide-variety of techniques in spine surgery. Topics covered include immobilization techniques, anterior and posterior approaches, and thoracic spine surgery.

This book provides easy-to-use guidelines and how-to-do instructions on the benefits and risks of laser application, decision-making and patient selection and especially on the clinical application of lasers. It thoroughly covers the areas of arthroscopic surgery, spine surgery and open surgery.

This book includes operative videos and teaches the reader how to perform all currently available minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) techniques. Each chapter covers a MISS procedure and includes an introduction, indications and contraindications, surgical technique, pitfalls and pearls, discussion, conclusion, references, videos and figures. Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Techniques is aimed at spine surgeons who are interested in learning or improving their MISS skills.

Radiologists, orthopedic and neurological surgeons present the different minimally invasive methods. Peripheral nerve problems and problems concerning differential diagnosis in special situations such as between radicular and peripheral nerve trunk lesions are discussed, pinpointing the significance of different diagnostic tools. Minimally invasive techniques, utilized nowadays to minimize bone demolition, scarring and risk of recurrence are analyzed. Microdiscectomy is compared with the results of intradiscal techniques, and new methods are discussed facing problems such as epidural fibrotisation, microinstability, osteoporotic or neoplastic or posttraumatic vertebral lesions.