Ramsis Farid Ghaly, MD, FACS(Ghaly Neurosurgical Associates)

From the Spine and Peripheral Nerve section of the World Federation of Neurological Societies (WFNS), this book covers the basics and surgical management of cervical disc herniation.

The purpose is to provide a comprehensive international review of various aspects of the management of cervical disk herniation, including the basics in anatomy, biomechanics, and conventional and newer surgical techniques.

The audience is broad, including medical students, residents and fellows, physicians, and surgeons in neurosurgery, neurology, neuroradiology, neuroscience and primary care.

The book provides a wide base of knowledge, from the basics such as applied anatomy and cervical spine biomechanics, to cervical disc pathology and genetic susceptibility, to various surgical approaches. For the latter, it covers indications, surgical steps, management of complications, complication avoidance, and outcomes. It covers both anterior and posterior approaches to the cervical spine including cervical microscopic discectomy, bone and cage placement, instrumented fusion, corpectomy, foraminotomy, laminectomy, and laminoplasty. Newer techniques include artificial cervical disc replacement, endoscopic techniques, laminoplasty, and oblique corpectomy. Controversial topics also are addressed, including fusion versus no fusion, types of fusion, and materials used. Readers can take advantage of valuable lessons learned from these experts and their long-term series outcomes and personal experiences.

Chapters are well written with section headings, many informative diagrams, color illustrations, tables, and figures, and end with conclusions and updated lists of references.

The international experts from the WFNS provide a well-written reference on cervical disc herniation principles, pathophysiology, surgical management, and outcomes. The authors share their long term series outcomes and personal experiences. In a global world, the book brings international expertise to the table and complements existing books on the subject.