Sinopsis

Current statistics indicate that 75-80% of people worldwide will experience some form of back pain during their lifetime. Lumbar pain is a leading cause of disability - a global publichealth burden with serious economic implications. Written by internationally renowned spine experts, the 8th volume in the AOSpine Masters series is a concise, state-of-the-artoverview on fundamental management strategies and current issues and challenges. The text covers the full age spectrum - from childhood to older adulthood - and contributingfactors such as the sacroiliac joints, genetics, and spine infections.

Clinical evaluation, treatment options, recent research advances, and future perspectives are systematically examined and presented in a clear format. With commentary fromleading authorities, this compendium presents candid discussion of significant challenges faced by clinicians who treat back pain. Among the issues addressed are managingpatients who have undergone multiple operations, chronic back pain, failed spine surgery, and what to do when all nonsurgical and surgical options have been exhausted.

Key Highlights

Economicconsiderations, riskfactors, and legal aspects
Neurological causes, includingmyopathies, neuromuscular disease, Parkinson disease,anddystonia
Conservativetreatmentoptionssuch as drugs, physiotherapy, and complementary medicine
The role of minimallyinvasivesurgery in treatingdegenerative lumbar spinedisease
Must-readbibliographicreferences in everychapter
Bulletlists of pearls and pitfallssummarizecriticalpoints and keyconcepts

The AOSpine Masters series, a copublication of Thieme and the AOSpine Foundation, addresses current clinical issues featuring international masters sharing their expertise in thecore areas in the field. The goal of the series is to contribute to an evolving, dynamic model of evidence-based approach to spine care.