Endoscopy, Navigation, Robotics, Current Trends and Newer Technologies in the Management of Spinal Disorders. Towards a Paradigm Change in the Clinical Practice.

Spinal disorders—including degenerative, traumatic, neoplastic, and deformity-related conditions—represent a leading cause of disability around the globe, significantly impacting individuals' quality of life. Over the past decade, treatment approaches for these ailments have undergone a remarkable evolution, driven by advancements in endoscopic techniques, surgical navigation, and robotic integration within orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures. These technological innovations have broadened the scope of treatable spinal pathologies while setting new standards in terms of patient safety, surgical precision, and postoperative results. Despite notable progress, ongoing research is necessary to address challenges and optimize these interventions.

This Research Topic aims to explore the influential role of emerging technologies in revolutionary changes within spinal disorder treatment. Primary objectives include evaluating the application and outcomes of spinal endoscopy for decompression, discectomy, and fusion procedures, and the impact of robotics-assisted surgery on clinical protocols and real-world implementation. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of current and emerging approaches while highlighting their impact on clinical practice, training, and patient care.

To gather further insights in the integration of advanced technologies in spinal disorder treatment, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Application of spinal endoscopy in various procedures and its clinical outcomes
• Role of image-guided navigation in improving surgical precision and safety
• Clinical protocols and real-world integration of robotics-assisted spinal surgery
• Usage of intraoperative imaging modalities, including cone beam CT, O-arm, and 3D fluoroscopy
• Implementation of artificial intelligence and augmented/virtual reality in surgery
• Comparison of minimally invasive and open techniques, examining outcomes and costs
• Considerations regarding complications, cost-effectiveness, and long-term effects
• Influence on surgeon training, skill development, and interdisciplinary cooperation
• Patient-centered improvements in recovery, quality of life, and satisfaction
• Simulation and technology implemented models for training and surgical education
• Perspectives on technological implementation and evolutions in current practice

We invite contributions, from neurosurgical and orthosurgical viewpoints, aiming to challenge conventional norms and inspire advancements in spine care. Together, we aim to explore the trajectory of spinal disorder management and strive for translating technological progress into tangible clinical benefits.

Luca Ricciardi serves as an Educational Consultant for Spine Art and as a Consultant for Globus Medical. The other Topic Editors declare no conflict of interest.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Spinal disorders, Endoscopic spine surgery, Robotics-assisted surgery, Surgical navigation, Intraoperative imaging, Minimally invasive techniques, Emerging technologies in spine care

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.