Book excerpt: This book is a concise guide to minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), with emphasis on techniques, procedures and equipment. Divided into five sections, the authors discuss MISS for different areas of the spine – cervical, thoracic and lumbar. Each section is presented with a step by step approach, with an introduction, clinical evaluation, intraoperative positioning, surgical techniques and potential pitfalls. The final sections discuss the instruments used for MISS and some special topics. Written by a highly experienced author team from the USA, this book covers all aspects of MISS, including tumours, trauma and deformity. Nearly 120 full colour images and illustrations are included to enhance learning. Key points Concise guide to minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) emphasising techniques, procedures and equipment Covers all aspects of MISS (tumours, trauma and deformity) in all areas of the spine – cervical, thoracic and lumbar Highly experienced author team from the USA Includes nearly 120 full colour images and illustrations