This is a practical surgical reference for all aspects of spine surgery, including detailed written and visual descriptions of each surgical procedure. It covers all of the spine including lumbar, thoracic and cervical, and there are chapters on tumors and infections related to each section of the spine. The information presented will be the basic surgical approaches and procedures with operative commentary based on the authors' experience. The book will also address potential pitfalls related to each procedure and approach, and illustrate the best course to follow if a pitfall is encountered. The author team includes recognized leaders and educators in spine surgery and should bring to the project the most current information in spine surgery.