title: History of thoracolumbar decompression and stabilization.
abstract: This article organizes the history of thoracolumbar spine surgery around its two major purposes: spinal decompression and spinal stabilization. Only select turning points of this history are addressed. Emphasis is given to important surgical obstacles and perioperative and anesthetic problems, as they have influenced the development of thoracolumbar spine surgery.
authors.affiliation: Ventura County Neurosurgical Associates, Oxnard, California 93030, USA.
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Alberstone
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Benzel
mesh_terms: D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000266:history*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000266:history*; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000266:history*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000266:history* / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000266:history*; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000266:history* / Q000601:surgery