In this book, leading international specialists in the field join forces to discuss topics, issues and approaches that are of key importance in the optimal treatment of lumbar degenerative disk disease. The coverage is wide ranging, from current understanding of physiopathology and genetics and modern imaging techniques through to the diverse minimally invasive, non-fusion, and fusion surgical techniques. Detailed attention is drawn to the most important aspects to be considered when approaching the patient and making treatment decisions. The role of conservative management is appraised, and surgical techniques and their indications are carefully described. In the concluding section, some of the top specialists from across the world reflect on the lessons that they have learned during lifetimes in spinal surgery. Advanced Concepts in Lumbar Degenerative Disk Disease will be an instructive and fascinating source of information for all spine surgeons and other spine care providers.

“This book covers the important, fascinating, and controversial subject of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. … The editors and authors do a wonderful job putting together a precise review of the literature on an evolving topic. It is extremely important for spine surgeons of all levels to learn new techniques and stay current on the concepts involved in arguably the most common problem we encounter every day: patients with back pain.” (Fernando Techy, Doody's Book Reviews, March, 2016)

João Luiz M. C. Pinheiro-Franco was born in 1972. He studied medicine at the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), Brazil, and subsequently undertook postgraduate courses in neurosurgery at the University of Strasbourg, France and the University of Tübingen, Germany. Dr. Pinheiro-Franco currently works at the Samaritano Hospital, São Paulo. He is a member of the Editorial Board for the European Spine Journal, member of the Assistant Editorial Board for Spine (Phila Pa – 1976), of the Editorial Board of Clinical Spine Surgery (former Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques) and is also Spine Section Editor of World Neurosurgery, the official journal of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS). Dr. Pinheiro-Franco is member of the elected Board of the Brazilian Spine Society (SBC) and of the Spine Committee of the WFNS. In 2013, Dr. Pinheiro-Franco was elected Academic in the prestigious centennial São Paulo Academy of Medicine. In 2014 he was invited by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and participated in the Forum Sustainable Humanity Sustainable Nature - our Responsibility (Vatican, May 2014). He has been a Visiting Surgeon at various centers in the United States and Europe.