New Concepts in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Dear Colleagues,

The field of spine surgery has undergone profound advancements over the past several decades, significantly enhancing both the precision and efficacy of surgical interventions. Among these developments, the emergence of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) represents a paradigm shift, enabling surgeons to address complex spinal pathologies while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues. As our understanding of spinal biomechanics and pathology has deepened, so too has our ability to refine surgical techniques that balance efficacy with reduced procedural morbidity.

A confluence of technological innovations—including the surgical microscope, specialized instrumentation, image-guided navigation, tubular retractors, expandable cages, lateral approaches, virtual and augmented reality integration, robotic assistance, and endoscopic systems—has markedly expanded the armamentarium available to spine surgeons. These advancements have facilitated the more precise decompression of neural structures, improved spinal stabilization, and enhanced the correction of spinal deformities, ultimately contributing to safer and more effective patient outcomes.

Nevertheless, despite these advancements, critical challenges persist. One fundamental issue is the lack of consensus on the precise definition of "minimally invasive spine surgery". In certain instances, an overzealous pursuit of minimizing incision size or avoiding necessary tissue dissections may lead to missed pathology, unintended blind tissue damage, or inadequate surgical intervention. Thus, optimizing treatment strategies requires not only proficiency in emerging technologies but also a nuanced understanding of when and how to deploy them effectively.

This volume explores contemporary advancements and evolving paradigms in minimally invasive spine surgery, with a focus on integrating novel techniques into clinical practice. By critically examining the principles and applications of minimally invasive spine surgery, this work aims to equip spine surgeons with the knowledge necessary to refine their surgical approach, optimize patient outcomes, and advance the field in an era of rapid technological evolution.

Dr. Yi Lu
Prof. Dr. Michael Y. Wang
Guest Editors

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• minimally invasive spine surgery
• image navigation
• tubular retractor
• endoscopic spine surgery
• virtual and aug-mented reality
• lateral spine surgery