Dear Colleagues

The lumbar spine plays a very important role for humans, who walk on two legs, such as acquiring spinal support, protecting cauda equina nerves, and maintaining mobility. Lumbar spinal diseases are common and lead to substantial morbidity as well as a loss of productivity in society. Despite progress in the investigation of the causes of lumbar spinal disease, it is still unclear. We feel the need to go one step further from past research. Further research would be desirable to establish breakthrough discoveries and treatments for lumbar spinal disorders. Firstly, we would like to expect many reports from various fields, such as image analysis research using AI (artificial intelligence), tractgraphy, CT/MRI fusion imaging, and whole-body bone X-rays. Next, we are looking forward to submissions on surgeries using new techniques, minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgeries, and treatment methods for rare lumbar spinal diseases, which have been developed in recent years. Studies to prevent postoperative complications in the lumbar spine are also recommended.

In this Special Issue, we invite submissions that focus on basic analyses of lumbar spinal diseases, lumbar scoliosis, the treatment of intervertebral disc diseases, various image analyses, the strategy of lumbar spine surgery, the management of complications, and minimum invasive surgery. Submissions can be in the form of literature reviews providing insights into current knowledge and technical know-how, as well as original research that addresses key questions in spine care. Spinal diseases are diverse in their presentation, treatment, and outcomes; thus, any submission relating to spinal diseases will be considered.

We look forward to receiving your submission.

Dr. Shoji Seki
Dr. Koji Akeda
Dr. Takashi Kaito
Dr. Tetsuro Ohba
Guest Editors

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• minimum invasive lumbar surgery
• lumbar scoliosis
• lumbar disc herniation
• treatment of intervertebral disc diseases
• minimum invasive surgery
• fusion or decompression
• management of complications
• computer-assisted lumbar spinal surgery