As the population continues to age worldwide, spinal disease will become more prevalent in the elderly population. The treatment of spinal disease requires an individual approach encorporating best practices. Optimal management in the elderly may differ from younger patients due to increased comorbidities, decreased bone health, and a higher risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality.
While more and more elderly patients will require evaluation and management of their spinal disease, most modern books discuss operative and nonoperative management based upon disease process. Techniques and approaches are described for a specific pathology, and are usually tailored for a young or middle aged patient.