With rapid advances in medical technology and progress in medicine during the last 27 years, severe disability or sustained neck-shoulder-arm pain secondary to cervical spondylosis can be detected much earlier. Excellent or good results of surgery can be achieved compared to the past, due mainly to advances in diagnostic imaging and surgical procedure.Through research into cervical spondylotic myelopathy, particularly the conditions combined with a narrow spinal canal, orthopaedic surgeons in Japan have revealed the key mechanism involved in myelopathy and the specific manifestation leading to early recognition of the affliction, the “myelopathy hand”, and have invented a canal-expansive laminoplasty. Extensive decompression of the impinged spinal cord with remarkable ill effects such as instability or adhesion was accomplished for the first time. Further study has been ongoing to clarify the pathomechanism of “spondylosis” through biomechanical and animal model studies.This volume consists of contributions by experts worldwide on the recent advances in the study of cervical spondylosis and will serve as a valuable reference for all researchers, surgeons and postgraduate students.

Degenerative disorders of the cervical spine are among the more common reasons why patients seek medical attention or consult with a spine specialist. These conditions can lead to neck pain and/or neurological deficit that can significantly compromise an individual’s quality of life. Despite the regularity of these conditions, there remains both uncertainty and controversy regarding optimal management. No standard of care exists, however there are nuances related to a patients history, clinical presentation, and imaging that may make one approach more conducive to clinical success. This text is intended to serve as a comprehensive, up-to-date resource for clinicians involved in the management of patients with cervical degenerative disease. The text is divided into sections, organized in a clinically strategic manner. The initial chapters address the basics of cervical spine anatomy and biomechanics as well as the pathophysiology leading to various cervical degenerative disorders and the possible neurological sequelae. Subsequent chapters outline characteristics of the clinical presentation and the various diagnostic modalities to evaluate these patients. Key elements involved in the surgical-decision making process are covered, providing the necessary elements to establish a solid foundation for treatment planning. The final sections discusses specific procedures; including traditional approaches as well as more recent developments such as motion preservation surgery and minimally invasive techniques. The last section focuses on challenging clinical scenarios that require advanced surgical consideration. Individual chapters are organized with an introductory outline containing key chapter elements. Chapters focusing on specific pathological entities include discussions regarding pathophysiology, genetics, and risk factors. Those describing surgical procedures include a discussion on indications/contraindications, pre-operative planning, surgical technique, post-operative care, and complication avoidance. Chapter authors present their personal experience enhancing the information from current, evidence-based, referenced material. When appropriate, case presentations are added to provide a practical application of chapter’s key points. This text, based on relevant, up-to-date clinical information and the cumulative experience of current spine experts, offers physicians the necessary tools involved in the decision-making process to formulate the optimal treatment plan for an individual patient. In addition, identification of knowledge gaps will hopefully stimulate future research and the evolution of cervical spondylotic treatments.

Cervical Spondylosis and Other Disorders of the Cervical Spine focuses on the problems associated with cervical spondylosis and other disorders of the cervical spine. The pathology and everyday symptomatology of these diseases are discussed, along with the use of radiology in the diagnosis of congenital lesions and other abnormalities that may complicate the clinical picture. Prognosis, medical treatment, and surgery are also considered. Comprised of nine chapters, this book begins with a historical account of cervical spondylosis and other disorders of the cervical spine, followed by a description of the anatomy of the cervical spine, membranes, spinal cord, nerve roots, and brachial plexus. The reader is then introduced to the pathology and symptomatology of cervical spondylosis and other disorders of the cervical spine. Subsequent chapters deal with radiology as used in the diagnosis of clinical symptoms and signs of cervical spondylosis; diagnosis of disease; medical and surgical treatment; and prognosis. Emphasis is placed on the individual factors operating in the production of symptoms in order to arrive at the prognosis for the patient. This monograph will be of interest to practitioners and specialists in neurology.

This open access book focuses on imaging of the musculoskeletal diseases. Over the last few years, there have been considerable advances in this area, driven by clinical as well as technological developments. The authors are all internationally renowned experts in their field. They are also excellent teachers, and provide didactically outstanding chapters. The book is disease-oriented and covers all relevant imaging modalities, with particular emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging. Important aspects of pediatric imaging are also included. IDKD books are completely re-written every four years. As a result, they offer a comprehensive review of the state of the art in imaging. The book is clearly structured with learning objectives, abstracts, subheadings, tables and take-home points, supported by design elements to help readers easily navigate through the text. As an IDKD book, it is particularly valuable for general radiologists, radiology residents, and interventional radiologists who want to update their diagnostic knowledge, and for clinicians interested in imaging as it relates to their specialty.

Disorders of the Cervical Spine covers the advances in diagnostic imaging and surgical techniques for cervical spine disorders since the publication of the first edition in 1980. This book is organized into 11 chapters. The first chapter describes the anatomy of the cervical spine. This is followed by a discussion of the different cervical spine disorders including osteomyelitis, soft tissue injuries, cervical spondylosis, tumors, congenital malformations and deformities, and fractures and dislocations. There are also chapters on diagnostic imaging of the spine, cervical orthoses, and an evaluation of different approaches to cervical spine surgery. This book will be invaluable to people interested in understanding the diagnosis and management of cervical spine disorders.

Edited by internationally recognized pain experts, this book offers 73 clinically relevant cases, accompanied by discussion in a question-and-answer format.