Degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine and diseases of the intervertebral disc are a major focus of contemporary spinal care, and new and improved surgical techniques have recently led to major advances in this field, especially of degenerative disc disease, surgical management of chronic low back pain, and lumbar disc herniation, with the newer surgical option of disc replacement. This new book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art source of the understanding of, and treatment approaches directed to, diseases of the lumbar intervertebral disc. It includes evidence-based knowledge and appropriate care guidelines by noted experts in the field. Written by leading authorities in the field of spine care, this book is a comprehensive reference for the latest techniques for managing intervertebral disc disorders affecting the lumbar spine. Divided into four main sections, the book opens with a review of fundamental basic science concepts, including epidemiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, biology, biomechanics, and mechanisms of pain. The second section focuses on the management of disc herniation, with chapters guiding clinicians from the pathophysiology of the herniated disc to clinical presentation to various treatment strategies. The final sections of the book present in-depth coverage of degenerative disc disease and provide essential information for imaging and testing, diagnosis, patient screening, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Highlights: -Detailed coverage of the latest innovations in the field, including nonsurgical treatments, minimally invasive procedures, biologic techniques, and motion-preserving procedures, enables clinicians to select the appropriate treatment for each clinical situation -More than 200 high-quality illustrations and images demonstrate key concepts -Valuable discussion of safety considerations and how to avoid and manage potential complications

Ideal for practitioners and trainees with a focus on spinal disorders, this book will be an invaluable resource for orthopaedists, neurosurgeons, pain specialists, physiatrists, neuroradiologists, and researchers in these specialties.