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Interventional Management of Head and Face Pain
by Samer N. NarouzeFrom the Foreword, by Stewart J. Tepper, MD: "Dr. Samer Narouze was the first Pain Management anesthesiologist specialist in the US to become Board-certified in Headache Medicine by the United Council of Neurologic Subspecialists (UCNS). It is therefore fitting that he decided to put together a textbook on blocks, interventions, injections, and neuromodulation possibilities in this integrated interdisciplinary area of treatment for head and facial pain. . . "This constellation of authors and topics should offer a comprehensive roadmap for interventions to contemplate beyond conventional medications in both primary and secondary head and face pain disorders. The chapters are precise, concise, and immensely readable, and I am honored to have been offered the chance to introduce them and encourage my colleagues to read them. " This is the first book on interventional management of intractable, medically resistant head and face pain It is edited and written by world-class leaders in headache medicine and features practical presentations of the entire spectrum of procedures, from simple to complex Designed to help shorten the learning curve of practitioners who are beginning to use interventional headache procedures, it provides guidance in identifying patients who are appropriate candidates for this approach and includes a unique compilation of outcomes-based algorithms for different headache and face pain syndromes. Neurologists, anesthesiologists, pain physicians, physiatrists, neurosurgeons, and interventional radiologists are the intended audience.
Interventional Nephrology
by Alexander S. Yevzlin Arif Asif Loay SalmanInterventional Nephrology: Principles and Practice describes a very direct approach to clinical problems encountered by the community of care providers who treat chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients. Practical scenarios faced on a day-to-day basis are presented by experts in the field utilizing the latest scientific information. In addition to internal medicine residents, nephrology fellows and practitioners, this comprehensive and useful resource is a must-have for the allied health professionals taking care of patients with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis access problems.
Interventional Nephrology: Principles and Practice
by Alexander S. Yevzlin Arif Asif Loay Salman Karthik Ramani Shaker S. Qaqish Tushar J. VachharajaniThis book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art overview of interventional nephrology. Similar to the previous edition, this text describes a direct approach to clinical problems encountered by the community of care providers who treat chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients. Practical scenarios faced on a day-to-day basis are presented by experts in the field, utilizing the latest scientific information. The book also features updated therapeutic guidelines and fully revised and new chapters.Written by the foremost authorities in the field, Interventional Nephrology: Principles and Practice, Second Edition is a must-have resource for clinicians and practitioners who treat and manage patients with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis access problems.
Interventional Neuroradiology
by Kieran Murphy Fergus RobertsonInterventional radiology has seen a dramatic increase in the number of minimally invasive therapies performed. Interventional radiology treatments now play a major role in many disease processes and continues to grow with new procedures added to the armamentarium of the interventional radiologist, almost on a yearly basis. There are many textbooks which are disease specific, which incorporate interventional radiology techniques. These books are important to understand the natural history, epidemiology, pathophysiology and diagnosis of disease processes. However, a detailed handbook that describes the technique of performing the various interventional radiology procedures is a useful addition to have in the Cath Lab, where information can be accessed easily before, during or even after a case. This technique-specific book is primarily of benefit to those in training in general radiology and more specifically for Residents and Fellows who are training in interventional radiology and who may be taking subspeciality certificate examinations in interventional radiology. In addition, this book will be of help to most practicing interventional radiologists, be they be in academic or private practice. This is the kind of book that can be left in the interventional lab and will be of benefit to ancillary staff, such as technicians/radiographers or nurses who are specialising in the care of patients referred to interventional radiology. This volume on neurointervention will enhance the series by expounding on the specific techniques required when working on conditions of the head, neck and spine.
Interventional Neuroradiology of the Spine
by Mario MutoAccurate interpretation of indications for treatment is the cornerstone of success in medicine. This book carefully examines the relation between clinical features, diagnosis, and choice of minimally invasive technique for a range of spine pathologies. It explains how selection of technique is intimately related to clinical and diagnostic aspects and how recognition of this relation forms the foundation for an optimal outcome. In addition to examining the various minimally invasive options, including the latest techniques, careful attention is paid to the role of medical treatment in avoiding recurrence after initial therapy. Nerve blocks, epidural injections, and intradiscal procedures are among the many options available in the armamentarium of the interventionalist, and advice is given on their use in different contexts. This volume will be of great value for neuroradiologists and others responsible for treating patients with spine disorders.
Interventional Oncology
by Andreas Adam Peter MuellerInterventional Oncology is a fast-growing new field, as well as an emerging specialty. Many minimally-invasive, imaging-guided procedures seem set to replace more traditional open surgical techniques of treating solid tumors in a variety of organs. The aim of this book is to describe new interventional radiological methods in a succinct and practical form. Diagnostic radiological considerations relevant to the selection and follow-up of patients are also covered. The book begins with an overview of the basic principles of current interventional techniques, including thermal ablation, high intensity focused ultrasound, and embolization. Later chapters focus on tumors of the liver, kidney, lung, and bone, placing new interventional techniques in context by referring to the surgical and oncologic methods of treating the same conditions. With an emphasis on best practices, Interventional Oncology: A Practical Guide for the Interventional Radiologist will serve as a definitive guide to practicing physicians involved in this rapidly evolving field.
Interventional Oncology
by Jean-Francois H. Geschwind Michael C. SoulenInterventional oncology has joined surgical, radiation, and medical oncology as the fourth pillar of cancer care. Advances in imaging and image guidance for the detection, characterization, targeting, and therapy of cancer now allow for minimally invasive image-guided treatment of many solid tumors without the morbidity of open surgery or the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation. The editors have brought together the accrued experience of pioneers and leaders in image-guided cancer therapy from around the globe to create the first comprehensive text for this emerging field. Covering the biology, techniques, clinical applications, and outcomes of interventional oncologic procedures for the treatment and palliation of solid tumors throughout the body, this practical reference will be indispensable for physicians across specialties who seek to provide collaborative, leading-edge care to cancer patients.
Interventional Pain: A Step-by-Step Guide for the FIPP Exam
by Agnes R. Stogicza André M. Mansano Andrea M. Trescot Peter S. StaatsThis comprehensive book serves as a review for the Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice (FIPP) exam and functions as a concise guide for all interventional pain doctors. Through educational initiatives, it helps to promote consensus-building among experts on the effectiveness of existing techniques and avenues for advancement of therapeutic performances.The book is divided into four sections (head and neck, thoracic, lumbar and sacral/pelvic), and each chapter is devoted to the safe, standardized approach to interventional procedures. To prepare both the examiner and the examinee for the FIPP examination, each chapter contains the relevant C-arm images and outlines the most common reasons for “unacceptable procedures performance” and “potentially unsafe procedures performance.” Distinguishing it from many of the previous guides, it also includes labeled fluoroscopic high quality images and focuses on the current FIPP-examined procedures with all accepted approaches.Written and edited by world leaders in pain, Interventional Pain guides the reader in study for FIPP Exam and offers a consensus on how interventional procedures should be performed and examined.
Interventional Radiology in Palliative Care (Medical Radiology)
by Peter L. Munk Suresh B BabuThis important book fills a gap in the literature by focusing specifically on the role of interventional radiology in patients receiving palliative medicine and supportive care, a group in which the need for minimally invasive therapy is especially high. Detailed information and guidance is provided on use of the tools of interventional radiology for the purpose of problem solving in relation to a wide variety of diseases and complications. Readers will find clear explanation of the ways in which interventional radiology techniques can assist with regard to intravenous access, feeding, musculoskeletal and neurological pain relief, tumor debulking, management of bleeding and obstructions, drainages, and treatment of fistulas. Throughout, helpful tips and tricks of value in daily practice are highlighted. The book is an ideal reference on the interventional management of palliative/supportive care and the effective use of interventional radiology techniques in a multidisciplinary environment. Beyond specialists and trainees in interventional radiology, it will have broad appeal to all who deal with patients on palliative and supportive care on a day-to-day basis.
An Interventional Radiology Odyssey: The Story of My Life and Work (Springer Biographies)
by Josef RöschIn this autobiography, Josef Rösch, aleading pioneer in interventional radiology from its inception to the present,documents his life and discusses important aspects of his work, focusingespecially on those procedures that he developed or improved and that were popularizedby his lectures and publications. In Prague, Dr. Rösch worked onsplenoportography and visceral angiography, while in the United States hedeveloped the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and introducedembolization for treatment of GI bleeding and expandable metallic stenting ofobstructions of major veins and the esophagus. In addition, he contributed tothe improvement of coronary angiography and fallopian tube catheterization. Thebook also describes the author's role as the lead person in establishing theDotter Interventional Institute in 1990. The Institute was the firstfreestanding, independent interventional radiology unit to deal with education,research, and patient care. Dr. Rösch's organization of scientific meetings andhis early use of techniques for live internet broadcasting are described, andthe book concludes by summarizing the multiple honors and awards that he receivedin recognition of his achievements.
Interventional Radiology Procedures in Biopsy and Drainage
by Tarun Sabharwal Debra A. GervaisThe Techniques in Interventional Radiology series of handbooks describes in detail the various interventional radiology procedures and therapies that are in current practice. The series comprises four titles, which in turn cover procedures in angioplasty and stenting, transcatheter embolization and therapy, biopsy and drainage and ablation. Forthcoming are volumes on pediatric interventional radiology and neurointerventional radiology. Each book is laid out in bullet point format, so that the desired information can be located quickly and easily. Interventional radiologists at all stages, from trainees through to specialists, will find this book a valuable asset for their practice. Interventional Radiology Procedures in Biopsy and Drainage presents the full array of operations using these techniques. The book is split into two sections - one dedicated to biopsy procedures and the other to drainage procedures. Dr. Debra Gervais is Director of Pediatric Imaging and Associate Director of Abdominal Imaging and Intervention at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Dr. Tarun Sabharwal is a Consultant Interventional Radiologist at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
Interventional Radiology Techniques in Ablation
by Tarun Sabharwal Timothy ClarkThe Techniques in Interventional Radiology series of handbooks describes in detail the various interventional radiology procedures and therapies that are in current practice. The series comprises a number of titles, which cover procedures in angioplasty and stenting, transcatheter embolization and therapy, biopsy and drainage, ablation, pediatric interventional radiology and neurointerventional radiology. Each book is laid out in bullet point format, so that the desired information can be located quickly and easily. Interventional radiologists at all stages, from trainees through to specialists, will find this book a valuable asset for their practice. Interventional Radiology Techniques in Ablation is a practical and concise guide to contemporary techniques in image-guided tumor ablation. This handbook is intended to serve as a quick reference for physicians in interventional radiology training as well as a resource for IR technologists, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Interventional Techniques in Uro-oncology
by Hashim Uddin Ahmed Manit Arya Peter T. Scardino Mark EmbertonMinimally invasive surgical techniques are moving into the mainstream of urological practice. Even less invasive techniques, some of which can involve no use of the knife whatsoever, are rapidly being developed and implemented for treating urological cancer. Interventional Techniques in Uro-oncology is the first text to cover these techniques in total and provides a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art minimally invasive interventions. This well-illustrated reference provides the basic science behind each technique before explaining when and how best to perform them. It examines their use in different clinical settings, the advantages and disadvantages of each technique in the management of specific tumor types, and their suitability for different patients. Future techniques are discussed including the potential of nanotechnology in the delivery of urologic healthcare. Each chapter is easy to navigate with key points and references. Interventional Techniques in Uro-oncology is an essential reference for training and practicing oncologists, urologists and radiologists as well as the general physician with a keen interest in cancer care. Its approachable style will also inform non-experts on what is available and whether a particular intervention is suitable for their patient in the clinic.
Interventional Therapies for Secondary and Essential Hypertension
by Costas Tsioufis Roland E. Schmieder Giuseppe ManciaThis book aims to describe the role of interventional therapies in various forms of secondary hypertension and to explain the ability of such approaches to address unmet needs in the setting of uncontrolled essential hypertension. The coverage encompasses interventions in the full range of relevant conditions, including the various specific pathologies responsible for secondary hypertension, such as renal artery stenosis, coarctation of the aorta, and adrenal tumors. In each case, up-to-date information is presented on indications, procedural aspects, and patient follow-up. A further focus is the most recent knowledge on the use of invasive neuromodulation, such as renal sympathetic denervation and baroreflex stimulation. The text is supplemented by helpful explanatory diagrams and treatment algorithms. A comprehensive clinical guide of this nature has to date been absent from the literature. The book will be of interest to clinicians managing hypertensive patients, researchers investigating advanced hypertension management, and students on cardiovascular courses.
Interventional Treatment of Advanced Ischemic Heart Disease
by Reynolds Delgado Harvinder Singh AroraAdvanced ischemic heart disease is fast becoming one of the most challenging problems facing the modern cardiovascular physician and current established therapies often fail to adequately address this population of patients. As therapy of heart disease evolves, we need to address the challenging questions posed by this clinical problem. Treatment of Advanced Ischemic Heart Disease brings together the most recent advances in surgical techniques, protection of the heart and postoperative care, to aid the study and treatment of these patients who deserve the best that modern medicine can provide them. The diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease and heart failure has now been standardized to the point that there are very well established guidelines promoted by the American Heart Association and The American College of Cardiology. This text will pick up where the guidelines leave off and address the real challenge of patients with advanced ischemic heart disease. Though therapy is clearly challenging, new advances are making effective therapy of these patients truly possible. This text embodies that notion. Finally, there is much still to learn about the basic mechanisms of the progression of heart failure due to coronary artery disease and how best to assess these therapeutic options. The text will address these with a focus on treatment so that it may be a practical reference for the practicing clinician as well as the basic or clinical researcher and student.
Interventional Ultrasound of the Breast: From Biopsy to Ablation
by Bruno D. FornageThis book is the premier guide to ultrasound-guided interventions of the breast. Written by Bruno D Fornage, a world-renowned leader in the fields of breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided interventions, it covers in detail techniques of freehand ultrasound-guided breast biopsy, placement of post-biopsy markers, localization of nonpalpable lesions, and percutaneous ablation of breast masses. A large part of the book describes the highly effective combined use of fine-needle aspiration and core-needle biopsy during the staging of breast cancer; this combination has been used successfully by the author at MD Anderson Cancer Center for 3 decades. Throughout the book, the author shares numerous tips and tricks, many of which have not been published before. With over 1300 figures and and 200 videoclips depicting ultrasound-guided procedures, Interventional Ultrasound of the Breast is the authoritative resource for breast imagers, interventional radiologists, surgical breast oncologists, pathologists, and anyone who embarks on ultrasound-guided breast biopsies and other breast procedures. In addition, the techniques described in this book are applicable to many other areas of the body, including the thyroid and soft tissues.
Interventional Urology
by Ardeshir R. Rastinehad David N. Siegel Peter A. Pinto Bradford J. WoodThis book provides a concise yet comprehensive summary of the evolving techniques and current status of interventional urology. The book is organized by organ system with subtopics covering imaging technologies, interventional techniques, and clinical outcomes for the vast variety of interventional urologic procedures. It represents the first single text covering these topics and will help guide patient management and stimulate investigative efforts. Written by experts in the field, Interventional Urology provides a richly illustrated, image-guided, state-of-the art review of this new field, that will serve as a valuable resource for clinicians, interventional urologists, interventional radiologists, researchers, and residents with an interest in interventional urology.
Interventional Urology
by Ardeshir R. Rastinehad David N. Siegel Bradford J. Wood Timothy McClureThis updated text provides a concise yet comprehensive and state-of-the-art review of evolving techniques in the new and exciting subspecialty of interventional urology. Significant advances in imaging technologies, diagnostic tools, fusion navigation, and minimally invasive image-guided therapies such as focal ablative therapies have expanded the interventional urologists’ clinical toolkit over the past decade. Organized by organ system with subtopics covering imaging technologies, interventional techniques, recipes for successful practice, pitfalls to shorten the learning curves for new technologies, and clinical outcomes for the vast variety of interventional urologic procedures, this second edition includes many more medical images as well as helpful graphics and reference illustrations. The second edition of Interventional Urology serves as a valuable resource for clinicians, interventional urologists, interventional radiologists, interventional oncologists, urologic oncologists, as well as scientists, researchers, students, and residents with an interest in interventional urology.
Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders
by Jack A. Naglieri Sam GoldsteinChildren are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders at a staggering rate--as many as one in 110, according to some studies. To this sobering statistic add the familiar figures of the toddler disengaged from his peers, the middle schooler shunned in the lunchroom, and the adult struggling with social cues on the job, and professionals are faced with a mounting challenge: to assist and support young people with these disorders to ensure their successful transition to adolescence and adulthood. The first volume dedicated solely to its topic, Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders provides a comprehensive overview of programs currently in use. Contributors explore programs focusing on long-term outcomes, home- and classroom-based strategies, resilience training for parents, and pharmacological management of symptoms. Background chapters review issues in reliability and validity of interventions and evaluating treatment effectiveness. And an especially cogent chapter discusses the centrality of treatment integrity to best practice. Comprehensive programs and targeted interventions covered include: The Early Start Denver Model for young children.The TEACCH program for children, adults, and families.The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) and CARD eLearning.PROGress: a program for remediating and expanding social skills.Evidence-based strategies for repetitive behaviors and sensory issues.Self-regulation strategies for students with autism spectrum disorders.Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders is an essential resource for researchers, professionals/practitioners, and clinicians in a wide array of fields, including clinical child, school, and developmental psychology; child and adolescent psychiatry; education; rehabilitation medicine/therapy; social work; and pediatrics.
Interventions for Speech Sound Disorders in Children
by Kirrie J. Ballard Barbara May Bernhardt Francoise Brosseau-Lapre Stephen Camarata Amy Clark Joanne Cleland Sharon Crosbie Barbara Dodd Jennifer Eigen Jennifer R. Frey Gail T. Gillon Allison M. Haskill Deborah A. Hayden Megan M. Hodge Barbara Hodson Alison Holm Ann P. Kaiser Megan C. Leece Jennifer Thompson Mackovjak Lesley C. Magnus Sarah Masso Brigid C. McNeill Adele W. Miccio Michele Morrisette Aravind K. Namasivayam Michelle Pascoe Lindsay Pennington Jonathan L. Preston Raul Francisco Prezas Donald A. Robin A. Lynn Williams Susan Rvachew Nancy J. Scherer Joy Stackhouse Edythe A. Strand Eleanor Sugden Ann A. Tyler Roslyn Ward Pam Williams Yvonne Wren Sharynne McLeod Alan Kamhi Rebecca J. McCauley Caroline Bowen Elise BakerAn essential building block of every speech-language pathologist’s professional preparation, the second edition of this bestselling textbook is a comprehensive critical analysis of 21 interventions for highly prevalent speech sound disorders (SSD) in children. Bringing together a powerhouse team of international experts, this new edition has been revised and enhanced with current research, new interventions, more guidance on selecting interventions, and updated video clips that show the approaches in action. For each intervention, readers will get a clear explanation of its robust evidence base, plus thorough guidance on implementing the approach, monitoring progress, and using the intervention with children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. <p><p>A key graduate-level text and an important professional resource for practicing SLPs, early interventionists, and special educators, this book will help readers choose and use the best interventions for children with phonological or motor-based speech disorders.
Interventions in Adult Congenital Heart Disease: A Case-Based Approach
by Vaikom S. MahadevanThis book presents a series of illustrative cases to highlight the decision-making process in pursuing an interventional management strategy and the procedural details of performing catheter-based interventions in patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). Each case provides a brief prior history of the patient, summary of current symptoms, pertinent physical examination findings, key imaging findings used to determine the indication for intervention as well as the technical feasibility of a transcatheter intervention. Potential management options and the rationale for why a transcatheter intervention was the optimal management strategy, and post-procedure management strategies are also discussed. Interventions in Adult Congenital Heart Disease: A Case-Based Approach provides a practical guide to successfully implementing a range of cardiac intervention management strategies, and is valuable resource for all cardiology practitioners and trainees seeking an up-to-date resource on the topic.
Interventions in Pulmonary Medicine
by José Pablo Díaz-Jiménez Alicia N. RodríguezThis third edition offers comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of all areas of interventional pulmonology, a minimally invasive endoscopic method for diagnosing and treating lung disorders. The text is divided into nine sections on the major areas of interventional pulmonology, including basic bronchoscopy, lung cancer staging, tracheobronchial obstructions, endobronchial treatments for asthma and emphysema, as well as a new section on interventional procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chapters explore specific procedures and techniques, including medical thoracoscopy, flexible and rigid bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound, and electromagnetical navigation with coverage of history, indications and contraindications, up-to-date, evidence-based reviews, and recommendations. The COVID-19 pandemic has also changed medicine in many permanent ways, and that will be considered closely for every intervention. Additionally, there are new chapters on interventions in pediatric patients and artificial intelligence bronchoscopy, two topics that are not frequently covered. This inclusive volume concludes with a look towards both the past and future of interventional pulmonology with experimental techniques currently being tested. This volume is a must have for pulmonologists, interventional radiologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonary oncologists, ENT physicians, anesthesiologists, intensive care specialists, and their teams.
Interventions in Pulmonary Medicine
by Alicia N. Rodriguez Jose Pablo Díaz-JimenezInterventions in Pulmonary Medicine is an important new volume that addresses all areas of interventional pulmonology, a minimally invasive endoscopic way to diagnose and treat lung disorders. This volume contains dedicated chapters that outline the many issues related to lung cancer, both in early and advanced stages, from diagnosis to personalized treatment. It also covers bronchoscopic therapeutic options to benign conditions that are highly prevalent, such as COPD and asthma. Techniques described in this volume are: laser therapy, argon plasma coagulation therapy, cryotherapy, brachytherapy, placement of intrapleural drainage systems, endoscopic treatment of emphysema, stents in the airway, and thermoplasty for bronchial asthma. Diagnostic procedures that are covered are: medical thoracoscopy, flexible and rigid bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound, electromagnetical navigation, and trends in personalized treatment for lung cancer and other benign lung conditions. Chapters are written by experts and the developers of the techniques that are currently considered gold standard. Evidence-based reviews are presented for all topics and indications, and contraindications are discussed. Interventions in Pulmonary Medicine is a must have for pulmonologists, endoscopists, pulmonary oncologists, ENT physicians, thoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and intensive care specialists and their teams.
Interventions in Pulmonary Medicine
by Alicia N. Rodriguez Jose Pablo Díaz-JimenezInterventions in Pulmonary Medicine is an important new volume that addresses all areas of interventional pulmonology, a minimally invasive endoscopic way to diagnose and treat lung disorders. This volume contains dedicated chapters that outline the many issues related to lung cancer, both in early and advanced stages, from diagnosis to personalized treatment. It also covers bronchoscopic therapeutic options to benign conditions that are highly prevalent, such as COPD and asthma. Techniques described in this volume are: laser therapy, argon plasma coagulation therapy, cryotherapy, brachytherapy, placement of intrapleural drainage systems, endoscopic treatment of emphysema, stents in the airway, and thermoplasty for bronchial asthma. Diagnostic procedures that are covered are: medical thoracoscopy, flexible and rigid bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound, electromagnetical navigation, and trends in personalized treatment for lung cancer and other benign lung conditions. Chapters are written by experts and the developers of the techniques that are currently considered gold standard. Evidence-based reviews are presented for all topics and indications, and contraindications are discussed. Interventions in Pulmonary Medicine is a must have for pulmonologists, endoscopists, pulmonary oncologists, ENT physicians, thoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and intensive care specialists and their teams.
The Intervertebral Disc: Molecular and Structural Studies of the Disc in Health and Disease
by Irving M. Shapiro Makarand V. RisbudThe intervertebral disc is a complex structure that separates opposing vertebrae, permits a wide range of motion, and accommodates high biomechanical forces. Disc degeneration leads to a loss of function and is often associated with excruciating pain. Written by leading scientists and clinicians, the first part of the book provides a review of the basic biology of the disc in health and disease. The second part considers strategies to mitigate the effects of disc degeneration and discusses the possibility of engineering replacement tissues. The final section is devoted to approaches to model normal development and elucidate the pathogenesis of degenerative disc disease using animal, organ and cell culture techniques. The book bridges the gap between the basic and clinical sciences; the target audience includes basic scientists, orthopaedists and neurologists, while at the same time appealing to the needs of graduate students, medical students, interns and fellows.