Spine Surgery in an Aging Population

An invaluable primer on the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of aging patients with spine conditions

The growing population of people aged 65 and older has significant implications for health care systems and spine care providers. Older patients today demand interventions that enable them to return to a functional lifestyle. Treatment of degenerative spine disease in aging adults requires in-depth understanding of changes in physiology, biomechanics, function, and modifiable risk factors. Equally important, providers need to listen to patients, diagnose thoughtfully, learn about the person's goals, and teach them in plain language about the risks, alternatives, and expectations of treatment options. This foundation is critical to developing informed patient-centered treatment plans to improve outcomes.

Spine Surgery in an Aging Population by Nathaniel Brooks, Andrea Strayer, and a cadre of global contributors reflects a rich array of expertise. With multidisciplinary contributions from renowned specialists in neurosurgery, orthopaedic surgery, geriatrics, and rehabilitation, the book provides invaluable insights on caring for aging adults with degenerative spine disease. Throughout 21 chapters, readers are provided with key concepts, expert knowledge, and effective management strategies to avoid complications and improve outcomes for older adult spine patients.

Key Highlights

• Diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis to help prevent fractures and optimize treatment approaches prior to elective surgery
• Management of common pathologies of the aging spine such as cervical spondylosis, lumbar stenosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative scoliosis and trauma
• Special topics include value-based care, nonsurgical management of spinal pain, vertebral augmentation, minimally invasive surgery, and instrumentation considerations

This one-stop compendium is essential reading for orthopaedic and neurosurgical residents and fellows, as well as veteran surgeons and allied health providers who care for older adults with spine conditions.