The overall characteristics of the vertebral column are, namely, elastic resistance to movement, twisting potential and elastic resistance to load bearing. These aspects reflect the three main functional characteristics of spine: motility in all 3 spatial planes, passive and active resistance to the axial load, and elastic resistance to excessive degrees of movement. In the light of this, we can assert that motility at the level of a single metamere should not be interpreted merely as movement on the 3 planes but also, and above all, as elastic resistance to dynamic stress on these 3 planes.

In fact, metameric movement depends on an active motility, involving the intervertebral disc, the articular masses, and the muscular structures, and a passive motility, involving the disc, ligamentous system, and articular capsules. In the light of this, the aim of surgery for the spine is to decompress the neural structures, neutralize excessive movements while preserving as much as possible the physiological biomechanical properties of the metamere involved. Those objectives are mandatory for every type of pathology in which the spine is involved, such as degenerative, traumatic, malformative, and oncologic ones. In the light of technical evolution of surgical instruments and software and of recent introduction of new surgical approaches, the future of spinal surgery is changing.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles or case reports that will stimulate continuing efforts to improve knowledge about current and future concepts in spinal instrumentation and complex surgical techniques for spinal pathology, improve diagnostic and therapeutic accuracy, develop new strategies to treat these conditions, and evaluate the outcomes.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Recent developments in spinal instrumentation
• Evolution and use of spinal neuronavigation
• Complex surgical techniques
• Anterior, lateral, and circumferential approaches to the thoracic and lumbar spine
• Current concepts in dynamic stabilization of the spine
• Spinal biomechanics
• Evolution concepts in disc prostheses
• Regenerative therapy for disc degeneration
• Percutaneous and endoscopic techniques
• New trends in diagnosis and neuroimaging