Adult spinal deformity (ASD) is one of the most challenging spinal disorders associated with broad range of clinical and radiological presentation. Correct selection of fusion levels in surgical planning for the management of adult spinal deformity is a complex task. Several classification systems and algorithms exist to assist surgeons in determining the appropriate levels to be instrumented. ...

Millard, F. J. C., Nassim, J. R., and Woollen, J. W. (1970). Archives of Disease in Childhood, 45, 399. Urinary calcium excretion after immobilization and spinal fusion in adolescents. The effect of prolonged immobilization and spinal fusion on the urinary calcium excretion of adolescents is described. Some patients developed severe hypercalcuria, but there was considerable individual variation...

We describe a case of a spinal fusion site infection, which was first suggested on plain radiographs due to interval displacement and partial dissolution of the bone graft material. These radiographic findings occurred 4 weeks before the infection became clinically evident. Cultures taken during eventual surgical debridement grew Aspergillus fumigatus. This case emphasizes the importance of not...

As a result of rapid advances in the field of spinal instrumentation, the surgeon today has at his disposal many well-designed implants, such as pedicle screws, hooks, rods, plates, and interbody fusion devices. Many of these implants are modular and are used in combination, such as hooks and screws attached to rods, allowing the surgeon flexibility in selecting the appropriate implants to meet...

During a posterior segmental spinal fusion procedure, a 71-year-old woman developed cardiac and pulmonary embolism characterized by nonsustained ventricular tachycardia during cement injection, rapid and severe hypoxemia, and hemodynamic instability. Management included exploratory cardiotomy under cardiopulmonary bypass and removal of the emboli from the pulmonary vessels. Postoperative recove...

A novel transosseous approach for percutaneous access of the lumbar subarachnoid space is described in a patient with advanced ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and instrumented spinal fusion who presented for myelography. Use of a coaxial threaded bone biopsy system to provide transosseous access to the thecal sac, imaging findings, and outcome are discussed. This technique provided access to an oth...