Paradigm Shift in Spinal Diseases: From Diagnosis to Therapy

Dear Colleagues,

Recently, new spinal imaging technology and innovative spinal surgery have emerged as promising techniques. Regarding imaging technology, dynamic contrast-enhanced (DSC) MR perfusion imaging can differentiate hypervascular spinal tumors from hypovascular spinal tumors. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) are MRI techniques based on measuring the microscopic diffusion of water in living tissues, which is possible for spinal intramedullary tumors. Furthermore, 3D-MRI/CT fusion imaging can detect lumbar nerve root compromise. These imaging technologies, in addition to spinal navigation, and robot-assisted surgery, provide spine surgeons with innovative options for spinal surgery. The advantages of applying robotic technology in spine surgery include the possibility of improving screw accuracy and reducing complications. Spinal navigation surgery has been under development for twenty years. Because of the increase in the aging population around the world, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), including the endoscopic technique, has been in a rapid phase of development since the turn of the 21st century. With these technological developments, this Special Issue welcomes original research and review articles in this field.

Specific topics of interest include investigations of the human spine that demonstrate the following:

• Advances in image acquisition, including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT); and the new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, 3D-MRI/CT fusion imaging.
• Novel spinal surgery, which includes new technology or imaging techniques, as well as navigation, robot-assisted surgery and endoscopic surgery.

Dr. Masato Tanaka
Dr. Chenkun Liaw
Topic Editors