Spine

Abstract

Spine cases form a significant component of the neurosurgery Oral Board Examinations. A familiarity with the common cases is essential in preparing for the boards. Spine includes cases that span from the skull base to the sacrum. Another component of spine includes an understanding of spine stability as well as the use of spinal instrumentation such as cervical plating and pedicle screws. These techniques are now a standard part of the neurosurgical armamentarium. Current new technologies or approaches to the spine whether minimally invasive techniques or surgery for deformity are actively used and will continue to form a larger part of the oral exam. The following cases are discussed in this chapter: bilateral cervical facet dislocation with spinal cord injury, central calcified thoracic disc herniation, L5 congenital spondylolysis with spondylolisthesis, metastatic lesion, and a thoracolumbar spine deformity.