The anatomy of the spine as a whole with proper understanding of its function as a protector to the cord were discussed, the various radiological investigations and the role of each of them in detecting the disorder were discussed. The indications of anterior fixation of dorsal and lumbar spine and the pathology and clinical picture of each disorder were discussed, anterior fixation devices and their advantages and disadvantages, different surgical methods for anterior approaches for dorsal and lumbar spine and complications of operations were discussed.