The Spinal Cord: Basic Aspects and Surgical Considerations

Abstract

Under one cover this book includes much of what is known and what interests those dealing with the spinal cord. The new sections on neurochemistry and the measurement of blood flow are especially helpful, for they relate to the spinal cord these rapidly expanding areas in brain research. The section on neurochemistry provides much useful background information on neurotransmitters while discussing cogently current relevant research. The chapters on anterior spinal fusion by Cloward and percutaneous cordotomy by Rosomoff should enable neurosurgeons to include these two procedures in their surgical armamentarium if they have not already done so. The neuroanatomy of the cord is presented in a traditional manner and little new information is mentioned. The section devoted to the surgical care of patients with spinal injuries, tumors, and disk herniations discusses most problems ordinarily encountered. The fact that the author of this section (the editor) uses case reports to illustrate