Kee Kim

By Amir Goodarzi, Edwin Kulubya, Tejas Karnati and Kee Kim

Cervicogenic headaches are a controversial clinical entity that affect many patients suffering from cervical spondylosis. Understanding the pathogenesis and identifying the nociceptive sources of cervicogenic headaches is critical to properly treat these headaches. A multimodal approach is necessary to treat these headaches using a variety of medical tools. Surgical interventions are reserved for patients that fail maximal medical therapy. The anterior cervical spine surgery has shown promise in the treatment of cervicogenic headaches and this success has hinted at a ventral source of nociceptive pathology. Continued research and development are required to improve outcomes in patients suffering from cervicogenic headaches.

Part of the book: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

By Tejas Karnati, Edwin Kulubya, Amir Goodarzi and Kee Kim

The primary aim of this chapter will be to present an overview of the functionality and efficacy of the Aspen MIS spinous process fusion system, including a review of recent multicenter randomized data.

Part of the book: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

By Kee D. Kim and Charles C. Lee

This chapter provides an overview of the complex biological processes involved in bone development and regeneration. The skeletal system serves crucial functions such as structural support, mineral storage, and organ protection. Bone development encompasses diverse cell types, matrices, and signals from embryonic stages to adulthood, with age-related decline in regeneration requiring additional support for large defects. Intramembranous and endochondral ossification processes are explored, involving differentiation of mesenchymal cells into osteoblasts and cartilage formation replaced by bone, respectively. Collagen and proteoglycans, particularly collagen I and II and heparan sulfates, play vital roles in the microenvironment for bone formation and mineralization. Signaling molecules such as BMPs, FGFs, IGFs, and PDGFs important for proliferation and differentiation of bone precursors, embryonic development, growth and maintenance of mature bone include regeneration and angiogenesis. Cell-based approaches, microenvironment-based technologies, and signal-based technologies utilizing growth factors are explored as bone regeneration strategies. Understanding these processes, factors, and technologies is pivotal in improving the treatment of conditions such as osteoporosis, fractures, and bone reconstruction, ultimately developing new technologies.

Part of the book: Frontiers in Spinal Neurosurgery