Alberto Alexandre - Böcker

This is a summary of the most recent and effective techniques for treating difficult functional problems and painful situations using minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques. It includes an up-to-date review of the physiopathology of the diseases.

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.