Controversies in Spine Surgery: Best Evidence Recommendations

by Alexander R. Vaccaro (Editor), Jason C. Eck (Editor)

Overview

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 NeuroradiologyAll 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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781604062403
Publisher:	Thieme Publishers New York
Publication date:	01/01/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	304
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Rothman Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Massachussets, UMass Memorial Hospital, Worcester, MA, USA

Table of Contents

Section I Introduction
1 Introduction to Best Evidence Medicine
Section II Trauma
Cervical Spine
2 Clearing Cervical Spine Injuries: MRI, Dynamic X-rays, CT
3 Type II Odontoid Fractures: Operative versus Nonoperative Management
4 Management of Cervical Facet Fractures: Surgical Indications and Approach
5 Management of Cervical Facet Dislocations: Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
6 Management of Cervical Facet Dislocations: Timing of Reduction
7 Management of Cervical Facet Dislocations: Anterior versus Posterior Approach
Thoracolumbar Spine
8 Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture: Surgery versus Conservative Care
9 Vertebral Compression Fractures: Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation
Spinal Cord Injury
10 Use of Steroids for Spinal Cord Injury
11 Role of Early Surgical Decompression for Spinal Cord Injury
Section III Degenerative
Cervical Spine
12 Cervical Myelopathy: Anterior versus Posterior Approach
13 Cervical Myelopathy: Timing of Surgery
14 Cervical Myelopathy: Meaning of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Signal Changes
15 Avoidance of Cervical Adjacent Segment Disease
Thoracolumbar Spine
16 Adult Low-Grade Spondylolisthesis: Conservative Treatment versus Surgery
17 Adult Low-Grade Spondylolisthesis: Surgical Approach, Role of Fusion, Role of Instrumentation
18 Adult Low-Grade Spondylolisthesis: Role of Reduction versus Fusion In Situ
19 Surgery for Axial Back Pain: ALIF versus PLIF or TLIF
20 Recurrent Lumbar Disk Herniation: Repeat Diskectomy versus Fusion
21 Management of Thoracic Disk Herniation
Section IV Technology
22 Rigid versus Dynamic Cervical Plates: Indications and Efficacy
23 Bone Morphogenetic Protein in the Cervical Spine: Efficacy and Associated Risks
24 Role of Cervical Disk Replacement: Does It Avoid the Shortcomings of a Fusion?
25 Role of Lumbar Disk Replacement: Does It Avoid the Shortcomings of a Fusion?
26 Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion: Results and Complications Compared with Open Techniques
27 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Posterior Ligamentous Injury
Section V Infection
28 Bone Morphogenetic Protein in the Settingof Infection: Indications, Risks, and Efficacy
29 Spine Infections: Medical versus Surgical Treatment Options
30 Use of Prophylactic Antibiotics in Spine Surgery

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Samuel J. Chmell, MD (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)
Description: This book identifies the most controversial topics in spine surgery and reaches rational resolutions based on the evidence.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a thorough review of the literature on each controversial topic in spine surgery and identify level I evidence, if available, to resolve the controversy. Where level I evidence doesn't exist, the best available evidence is explained.
Audience: The book is intended primarily for spine surgeons. The authors and the collection of international contributors are credible authorities in spine surgery.
Features: The areas of controversial topics are nicely arranged according to trauma, degenerative, emerging technology, and infection. Each problem is addressed in a systematic fashion: 1) definition of the question; 2) searching the evidence; 3) critical review of the evidence; 4) application of the results; and 5) assessment of the outcomes. The book is concise, thorough and well organized with helpful tables and references.
Assessment: Enough can't be said about the need for the use of best evidence in spine surgery and this book delivers.

Doody's Review Service

"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 literature…nicely arranged...concise, thorough and well organized…helpful tables and references.—Doody's Review "5 star rating" - Eric M. Masscicotte

"The topic of trauma is well covered and has a high degree of clinical relevance to spinal trauma patients"- Eric M. Masscicotte

"Awide audience can benefit from reading this book." Eric M. Masscicotte

"I look forward to reading future editions" Eric M. Masscicotte

From the Publisher