The History of Neurosurgical Spinal Oncology: From Inception to Modern-Day Practices

World Neurosurg. 2021 Jun:150:101-109. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.03.082. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

Abstract

The neurosurgical management of spinal neoplasms has undergone immense development in parallel with advancements made in general spine surgery. Laminectomies were performed as the first surgical procedures used to treat spinal neoplasms. Since then, neurosurgical spinal oncology has started to incorporate techniques that have developed from recent advances in minimally invasive spine surgery. Neurosurgery has also integrated radiotherapy into the treatment of spine tumors. In this historical vignette, we present a vast timeline spanning from the Byzantine period to the current day and recount the major advancements in the management of spinal neoplasms.

Keywords: Endoscopy; Minimally invasive spine surgery; Spinal oncology; Spinal tumors; Stereotactic radiosurgery.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • History, 15th Century
  • History, 16th Century
  • History, 17th Century
  • History, 18th Century
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • History, Ancient
  • History, Medieval
  • Humans
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / history
  • Neurosurgery / history*
  • Neurosurgery / methods
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / history*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Spinal Neoplasms / history*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / surgery*