Minimally invasive spine surgery, in some form or other, has historical roots dating back more than 100 years, and recent advances in technology now make it increasingly effective in treating suitable spine patients. While minimally invasive approaches have shown to reduce muscle damage, blood loss, and post-operative pain, to perform this t ype of surgery correctly, even highly skilled modern-day surgeons must prepare themselves for a demanding learning curve.For this reason, AOSpine proudly presents Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Techniques, Evidence, and Controversies, the most comprehensive book of its kind, which includes more than 500 pages of surgical techniques, illustrations, case images, tips and tricks, and research, providing an invaluable tool for spine surgeons around the world.Each technique is fully examined:The pros and cons of each is objectively reviewedIts spectrum of indications and contraindications is summarizedHistorical and modern day controversies relating to each technique are discussedUniquely, chapters in the text are further supported by an evidence-based section summarizing research studies, analysis, and conclusions into each technique, from peer-reviewed journalsThe text covers more than just a range of interesting medical techniques. By including brief historical introductions on each technique and the surgeons that explored and founded its methods, their early (sometimes self-made) instrumentation, right through to todays current best-practice, this book provides an interesting, informative, and topical instruction on minimally invasive surgery and its increasingly encouraging results for spine-patient care.

The publication will serve as a reference and textbook for surgeons interested in minimally invasive spinal surgery. This very young and dynamic field within surgery is constantly evolving. Very little has been published in Medline-listed publications to date. Minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) is based on validated principles within surgery, such as atraumatic surgical technique and early postoperative mobilization. The purpose of this book is to: · Review the principles of MISS · Describe the standard surgical techniques that have been developed · Discuss the current scientific evidence and controversies of MISS. The purpose of this book is not to cover pain management or diagnostic procedures, functional procedures, radiosurgery, and specific surgical products or devices. The target audience for the book is orthopaedic and neurosurgical spine surgeons with basic to advanced level of training.