aspects of the minimally invasive spine surgical approach. Minimally invasive spinal surgery will be a highlight of operative approaches in the twenty-?rst century and already has been popularized worldwide. This procedure will provide surgical options that address several pathological conditions in the spinal column without producing the types of morbidity commonly seen in open surgical procedures. The contents of this book provide highly relevant and detailed information. I certainly believe that it will be a great bene?t to all orthopedic surgeons who are interested in performing minimally invasive spine surgery. Charoen Chotigavanich, M.D. Chairman, Spinal Section The Royal College of Orthopedic Surgeons of Thailand V Preface Recent decades have been characterized by revolutionary changes in spinal surgery. Concurrent progress in implant technology and functional en- scopes and the improvement of less invasive surgical techniques has opened a new dimension for spine surgery.