Adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) is a relatively common phenomenon after spinal fusion surgery. Whether ASD is a consequence of the previous fusion or an individual’s predisposition to continued degeneration remains…
Degenerative changes in the material properties of nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus promote changes in viscoelastic properties of the whole disc. Volume, pressure and hydration loss in the nucleus pulposus,…
Lumbar disk degeneration (LDD) is a common musculoskeletal condition. Genetic risk factors have been suggested to play a major role in its cause. This article reviews the main research strategies…
The biomechanical behavior of the intervertebral disk ultimately depends on the viability and activity of a small population of resident cells that make and maintain the disk’s extracellular matrix. Nutrients…
The intervertebral disks along the spine provide motion and protection against mechanical loading. The 3 structural components, nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate, function as a synergistic unit, though…
Dino Samartzis, DSc, Guest Editor Kenneth M.C. Cheung, MBBS(UK), MD (HK), FRCS, FHKCOS, FHKAM(Orth), Guest Editor It has been our immense honor to serve as guest editors for this focus…
Minimally invasive approaches and operative techniques are becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of cervical spine disorders. Minimally invasive spine surgery attempts to decrease iatrogenic muscle injury, decrease pain, and…
Principles of revision cervical spine surgery are based on adequate decompression of neural elements and mechanical stability via appropriate selection of surgical approach and constructs producing long-term stability with arthrodesis….
Surgical treatment of complex cervical spinal deformities can be challenging operations. Patients often present with debilitating conditions ranging from generalized decreased quality of life to quadriplegia. Surgical treatment can be…
