Lumbar Disc Herniation

• Historical perspectives.- Anatomy.- Biochemistry, nutrition and metabolism.- Biomechanics.- Pathomorphology.- Physiopathology of lumboradicular pain.- Etiopathogenesis.- Clinical features.- Imaging studies.- Electrophysiologic investigations.- Differential diagnosis. I. Organic diseases.- Differential diagnosis. II. Psychogenic pain.- Diagnostic algorithm.- Conservative treatments.- Percutaneous treatments.- Surgical treatments.- Postoperative functional recovery.- Complications of surgery.- Results of surgery.- Spinal fusion and disc prosthesis at primary surgery.- Disc herniation associated to other conditions.- Surgical failures.- Recurrent and new herniations.- Professional liability in treatment.

"... This ambitious book will be an valuable asset to a departmental library. It is extensively referenced and contains much useful information. Selected chapters would be of interest not only to neurological and orthopaedic surgeons but also to paramedical practitioners." British Journal of Neurosurgery, 2000/14 (6) "... The book is conceptually well organized and extremely comprehensive. It provides information that would assist anyone, from a medical student to a practicing neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon, as a reference text ... this book should be in the personal library of any surgeon who is interested in a comprehensive approach to the treatment of lumbar disc disease ... For residents, it is a helpful reference text, primarily for nonoperativ information ..." Neurosurgery, Vol. 47, No. 1 "Professor Franco Postacchini ... is to be congratulated on the production of this book which is wide ranging, comprehensive, and beautifully illustrated ... I would have no hesitation in recommending the text to trainees as the book is very readable and makes a good introduction to the management of lumbar disc disease ... surgeons who manage lumbar disc disorders will want to have a copy of this book either on their own or their departmental library's shelf." Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry "This book contains everything that one would ever want to know about herniation of the lumbar disc and a great deal more besides. Its expansive style provides in-depth information and sound clinical perspective based on the experience of Professor Postacchini and his fellow contributors, mostly from the University of La Sapienza in Rome ... Readers should not be put off by the size of this book. With a bibliography of over 2000 references, it is a fully illustrated account of all that is currently known about the lumbar disc. It will be an indispensable reference book in every department of spinal surgery and the ideal starting point for anyone involved in a research project on the lumbar spine. In an era of increasing medical litigation, advisers will find all the information which they need as well as the wisdom and clinical perspective gained from many years of making difficult value judgements in the management of this perfidious condition." The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery "... 'Lumbar disc herniation' by Franco Postacchini is to be considered as one of teh most complete books on lumbar disc herniation ..." Acta Neurologica Belgica 9/1999 "... The book is extremely complete, taking us through all aspects of the topic. a diagnostic algorithm is presented in a comprehensive way... It can be read at one go from the first page to the last, but each chapter stands on its own and can be enjoyed separately. It should appeal to everybody starting to learn to diagnose and treat disc herniation, to all of us involved in treatment and research on the disease, and also serve as a good source of references..." Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica 2001, 72/205-207