Book excerpt: Spine surgery has increasingly become a surgical field of its own, with a distinct body of knowledge. This easy-to-use book, written by acknowledged experts, is designed to meet the practical needs of the novice and the busy resident by providing essential information on spine pathology, diagnostic evaluation, surgical procedures, and other treatments. After an opening general section, degenerative spinal disease, pediatric spine conditions, spine trauma, spine tumors, infections, inflammatory disorders, and metabolic conditions are all discussed in more depth. Alongside description and evaluation of surgical options, important background information is included on pathology, presentation, diagnosis, and nonsurgical treatments. Potential complications of surgery are also carefully considered. Spine Surgery Basics will be an invaluable aid for all who are embarking on a career in spinal surgery or require a ready reference that can be consulted during everyday practice.