The authors present anatomical, biomechanical, and clinical basic knowledge relevant to degenerative diseases of the surgical spine and describe how to choose the approach, implant, and surgical technique in detail. Numerous figures illustrate the decision-making process and surgical techniques step-by-step. The book also contains key points about implant safety and possible complications as well as an outlook to the future of cervical spine surgery.

Degenerative Diseases of the Cervical Spine is aimed at spinal surgeons (neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons), physical therapists, general practitioners, and rehabilitation physicians, worldwide.

S. Alexander König and Uwe Spetzger

Klinikum Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany

Anatomical aspects.- Biomechanical aspects.- Preoperative diagnostic methods.- Conservative treatment.- Choice of the surgical approach.- Choice of implant.- Surgical technique.- Information of the patient: outcome, risks, complication rates.- Implant safety and complication management.- Future of cervical spine surgery.