Articles on SpineUniverse from Howard S. An, MD

Kyphosis: Description and Diagnosis

Kyphosis is a progressive disorder that can affect children or adults in the thoracic or cervical spine. This disorder may cause a deformity described as humpback or hunchback. Read about possible causes and tests doctors use to diagnosis kyphosis.

Artificial Disc Replacement

Orthopaedic surgeons have been engaged in research to offer an alternative to lumbar spinal fusion surgery; artificial spinal disc replacement.

CHARITÉ? Artificial Disc and Degenerative Disc Disease

Although conventional treatment for a severely degenerated disc is spinal fusion, artificial disc replacement is becoming an alternative option.

Spinal Tumors: Benign and Malignant Types

There are several types of benign and malignant spinal tumors. These abnormal growths generally develop slowly and may worsen over time unless treated.

Spinal Tumors: Diagnostic Process

Radiographs (x-rays) are initially obtained and a bone scan may be ordered early to rule out tumors or infections.

Symptoms of Spinal Tumors

Most patients with spinal tumors first come to the doctor because of back pain, specifically non-mechanic back pain (constant pain that doesn't get better by changing positions or resting). Read about other common tumor symptoms

Surgical Management of Thoracolumbar Deformity in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a form of chronic arthritis. In severe cases, a surgical procedure called an osteotomy, which involves the removal and/or resection of bone is utilized to correct the deformity.

Kyphosis: Treatment and Recovery

Early treatment of kyphosis is especially important to the adolescent patient. Left untreated, the curve progression can lead to significant problems later during adulthood.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with Anterior Cervical Plate Fixation

Watch this fascinating video about a cervical spine surgery option: anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with instrumentation. This video was produced by spine surgeons at Rush Medical College in Chicago, IL. Learn how this spine surgery is done, and if it's a good surgical option for you.

Cervical Spondylosis with Myeloradiculopathy Multilevel Laminectomy, Foraminotomy, Fusion, and Lateral Mass Plating - Introduction

This page contains the introduction of this case study.

An Intradiscal Injection of Osteogenic Protein-1 Restores the Viscoelastic Properties of Degenerated Intervetebral Discs in the Rabbit Annular Puncture Model

This study investigated the effects of osteogenic-protein-1 on the visoelastic properties of discs in rabbits.