Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, An Issue of Orthopedic Clinics

The past decade has witnessed many advances in surgical care. Of prominent note, the evolution of cutting-edge spinal instrumentation has heralded the age of minimally-invasive spine surgery. The advent of such instrumentation - coupled with refined spine surgery techniques - allow minimal access to the operative site; thereby, decreasing bone and soft tissue trauma, diminishing postoperative pain and narcotic use, shortening hospitalization, reducing health-care costs, and leading to a quicker return to daily activities. With contributions from leading experts in diseases and surgery of the spine, this themed journal issue by the Orthopedic Clinics of North America addresses the current minimally-invasive spine surgery techniques and instrumentation that pertain to the operative management of various spine pathologies.