Neurosurgery of the Spine in the Year 2001

In the year 2001, we can look forward to unsurpassed care for spinal pathologies. With the improvements in fiber optics, genetic engineering, metallurgy, and soaring computer capabilities, these concepts have become a reality. The greatest advances from 1997 to the year 2001 have involved four primary targets. These include minimally invasive procedures, fusions adjuncts, implant biomaterials, and navigational techniques involving stereotaxis and robotics.

Minimally invasive operations include thoracoscopic, laparoscopic, and endoscopic procedures. Fusion adjuncts include the development of Cages and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). Computer–assisted endoscopy has been greatly aided by robotics. Stereotactic spinal navigation now allows for exact placement of implants. Computer enhancement of spinal navigation, allows for surface contouring and the ability to register intersegmental movement of the entire spine, thereby "virtually" planning the correction of spinal deformities.

As we look into the future toward the years 2001 to 2005, further advances will focus primarily on four topics; functional diagnostic imaging, tissue cloning and regeneration, spinal cord injury aiming to interrupt the secondary cascade as well as spinal cell grafting and regeneration, and the creation of a true artificial disc. The future is certainly promising.