FOREWORD
Patient expectations about treatment outcomes have been shown to have a
significant influence on the results and success of treatment. Current percep-
tions are often subtly instilled by the non-scientific media and Hollywood-
like sources, and the lay public often have unrealistic expectations of the
process and likely benefits of treatment. Thus unrealistically high or incorrect
expectations can result in dissatisfaction, where the result would have been
regarded as good or acceptable, had the correct perspectives been in place.
This monograph strives to give spinal patients some of the required insights
to maximise appropriate decision making regarding treatment options, and
improve understanding of what constitutes a realistic outcome.
My Spine – Cervical is a multi-authored volume, intended for patients with
spinal complaints, and reflects a wide range of experience within the growing
field of spinal management and surgery.
The information is set out in a logical progression, giving an understanding
of basic spinal anatomy, and following onto symptom explanation, investiga-
tions and treatment modalities commonly utilised. A major part of the text is
devoted to spinal surgical treatments, explaining the process of going to the-
atre, some technical information with pictorial illustrations, post-operative
management and associated possible treatment complications.
This monograph serves as a useful adjunct in the management of spinal con-
ditions, and could be used in conjunction with the standard discussion
between the doctor and patient. It would still be the duty of the doctor to be
the prime source of information, and to individualise the extent of the infor-
mation dependent on the patient’s needs and particular circumstances.
However, with the doctor’s increasing social demands, leading to the further
evolution and refinement of the doctor’s responsibilities, the duty of the
patient to inform him- or herself has been sadly neglected. This monograph
would thus also go some way to initiate awareness in patients to take respon-
sibility and be actively involved in the treatment decisions and hence out-
comes.
Dr. Gian Marus
President South African Spine Society
2009
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