Lumbar disk herniation is the pathologic condition most commonly responsible for radicular pain, and the condition for which lumbar surgery is performed most frequently. This article analyzes the diagnostic findings often considered as reliable criteria for surgical intervention to determine if they are justified by recent literature.
Melorheostosis is a rare, non-familial sclerosing bony dysplasia of poorly understood etiology. It is characterized by soft tissue contractures with overlying slowly evolving linear hyperostosis. It usually occurs in the limbs and frequently crosses synovial joints, and there is often ossification in local soft tissues.
The epidural space is the most common site of metastases producing injury to the spinal cord. The incidence is 5% to 10% and up to 40% in patients with pre-existing nonspinal bone metastases.
Up to 50% of patients undergoing total hip or total knee arthroplasty may be at risk for venous thromboembolic disease without proper prophylactic treatment. Experts will discuss the best options for avoiding this life-threatening complication.
Tumors of the sacrum are rare. Metastases are the most common malignant tumors of the sacrum, derived from lung, breast, kidney, prostate, head and neck, gastrointestinal or skin (melanoma) cancers; these will not be discussed further.
Lateral epicondylitis is the most common cause of lateral elbow pain presenting to the orthopedic surgeon, with an estimated occurrence in 4 per 1000 patients. Every year 1% to 3% of adults are affected by lateral epicondylitis, with an equal prevalence between men and women.
Only in the past 30 years has meniscal preservation become the standard of care. Historically, the knee meniscus was considered to be a functionless remnant of leg muscle, but recent investigations have shown the meniscus to be a vital part of normal knee biomechanics.
Dislocation continues to be one of the most common, difficult, and potentially frustrating postoperative complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Most clinical series report a dislocation rate that varies from 0.4% to 4.8% following primary THA.
