The Failed Spine

Written by an international group of recognized experts, this volume addresses the complications of spine surgery and the treatment of patients with adverse surgical outcomes. Coverage includes discussions of failed spine fusion, postoperative scoliosis, postoperative flat back, postoperative infection, epidural fibrosis, and complications resulting from implants and devices. Chapters offer guidelines on patient selection for surgery and identify psychosocial risk factors for chronic pain. Sections on treatment of the failed spine cover medications, physical therapy, and invasive modalities including radiofrequency procedures, spinal cord stimulation, epiduroscopy, and revision lumbar fusion. A treatment algorithm for the failed back surgery syndrome is included.

Low back pain is a very common problem that is increasingly being treated surgically. This book aims to evaluate carefully the possible surgical approaches to low back pain, with detailed appraisal of the factors leading to their success or failure. It begins by explaining the scientific basis for surgery and considering the different diagnostic techniques that may be employed, thereby elucidating the surgical rationale, indications, and contraindications. The value of conservative options is also assessed to help the reader weigh the need for surgery. The various surgical modalities, including the most recent, are then fully described and evaluated with the aid of numerous illustrations. The book concludes with a chapter devoted to evidence-based analysis of the outcome of surgery in patients with low back pain. This book will be invaluable to orthopaedic and neurosurgeons, rheumatologists, neurologists, and all who are concerned with the effective treatment of this often debilitating condition.

In the eight years since the first edition of this book several marvelous technical advances have become available clinically for the care of patients with "failed back syndromes. " High resolution MRI scans, three dimension al CT scans, and percutaneous discectomy are notable technological ad vances. Overall, however, the problem of "the failed back" remains as complex and poorly understood as ever. A discouraging amount of what we claim to be our knowledge of the pathophysiology and appropriate therapy for the complex of disorders that constitute the failed back syndrome re mains unvalidated by careful scientific study. 1 The discussions of patho physiology, diagnosis, and therapy put forth in the first edition for the most part remain equally as valid or as controversial as they were eight years ago. The first edition was well received by numerous physicians and other health care givers from a variety of disciplines and through them the book seems to have contributed usefully to many of those who suffer the unpleasant mal adies of "the failed back. " I hope this second edition will likewise prove to be a positive contribution. The timing of the publication of this second edition is significant in several ways in the context of the current medicolegal climate in the United States.

This book covers the content of European postgraduate spine surgery courses, using a case-based approach. It describes a stepwise solution to a real-world clinical problem and compares this with the best available evidence. It then provides suggestions on how to bridge the gap (if there is one) between standard of care and evidence-based medicine. Spine Surgery: A Case-Based Approach is aimed at postgraduate students of spine surgery (both trainee neurosurgeons and trainee orthopedic surgeons), and is also of interest to medical students.

This open access book offers an essential overview of brain, head and neck, and spine imaging. Over the last few years, there have been considerable advances in this area, driven by both clinical and technological developments. Written by leading international experts and teachers, the chapters are disease-oriented and cover all relevant imaging modalities, with a focus on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. The book also includes a synopsis of pediatric imaging. IDKD books are rewritten (not merely updated) every four years, which means they offer a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art in imaging. The book is clearly structured and features learning objectives, abstracts, subheadings, tables and take-home points, supported by design elements to help readers navigate the text. It will particularly appeal to general radiologists, radiology residents, and interventional radiologists who want to update their diagnostic expertise, as well as clinicians from other specialties who are interested in imaging for their patient care.

This concise but comprehensive guide covers common procedures in pain management necessary for daily practice, and includes topics on international pain medicine curricula, for example, the American Board of Anesthesiology, World Institute of Pain/Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice, and American Board of Pain Medicine. Treatments for pain are discussed, including nerve blocks (head, neck, back, pelvis and lower extremity). Chapters have a consistent format including high yield points for exams, and questions in the form of case studies. Pain: A Review Guide is aimed at trainees in pain medicine all over the world. This book will also be beneficial to all practitioners who practice pain.

Offering in-depth coverage of an often-neglected topic, Revision Lumbar Spine Surgery identifies clinical problems and discusses recent major advances in this challenging area. Dr. Robert F. Heary and a team of international experts share their knowledge and experience with even the most difficult lumbar cases, helping you provide optimal outcomes for your patients. You’ll find authoritative guidance on indications, diagnosis, approaches, and follow-up, with a focus on the significant advances that have occurred over the past two decades in this fast-changing field. Identifies the clinical problems related to unsuccessful back spine surgery as well as indications, diagnosis, and new treatment options and advances in this complex area. Provides in-depth information on the multiple options that exist for most clinical situations: anterior, posterior, lateral, and combined anterior and posterior approaches. Covers methods of fixation, the use of interbody grafting, and surgical planning related to scar tissues, bleeding, and spinal fluid leaks. Discusses critical follow-up topics such as key clinical procedures, radiography, patient reported outcomes, and pain management. Includes timely chapters on robotics, bone density issues, medical fitness concerns, instrumentation options, imaging considerations, and much more.

If you are suffering from chronic pain, or know someone who is, Back in Control could change your life. Dr. David Hanscom, a spine surgeon and fellow sufferer, shares with you what finally pulled him out of the abyss of chronic pain after 15 years--without surgery or addictive medications. Instead, his approach to treatment focuses on an aspect of chronic pain that the medical world has largely overlooked: you must calm your nervous system in order to get better. More than any other book about pain, Back in Control reveals how to quiet a turbocharged central nervous system, relieve the anxiety and depression that often accompany chronic pain, and make a full recovery. Back in Control offers a self-directed healing approach that has evolved from Dr. Hanscom's personal experience, as well what he has learned from successfully treating hundreds of patients. The book: Provides a proven solution to end chronic pain - Dr. Hanscom's treatment model has helped hundreds of patients move from managing pain to becoming pain free. Doesn't require surgery or meds - The approach presented in Back in Control helps you eliminate chronic pain without the risk of surgery or side effects of medications. Puts you in control - Back in Control provides tools for eliminating pain that you can use on your own or as part of an ongoing treatment plan, to take back control of your care and your life. Applies to any type of chronic pain - The principles in Back in Control apply to any chronic pain condition, for example back pain, neck pain, hip pain, joint pain, fibromyalgia and sciatica, to name a few.