A Comprehensive Review of the Historical Description of Spine Surgery and Its Evolution

Abstract

Major strides in the advancement of spine surgery came about in the 21^st century. However, the extensive history of spine surgery can be traced back to long before this time. A clear description of the journey from a primitive yet accurate understanding of the human musculoskeletal system to today's modern aspects of spinal techniques is lacking. A narrative literature review was conducted to elucidate where spine surgery began and the techniques used that evolved over time. This review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms used included "history of spine surgery," "evolution of spine surgery," "origins of spine surgery," "history of laminectomy," "history of spinal fusion," "history of lumbar interbody fusion," "minimally invasive spine surgery," and "navigation in spine surgery." We highlight the evolution of the basic understanding of anatomy and non-surgical and surgical techniques, including bracing, laminectomy, discectomy, and spinal fusion. The current evolution and integration of minimally invasive techniques, lumbar interbody fusion techniques, robotics, navigation, and motion preservation are discussed, as these are the major areas of focus for technological advancement. This review presents an overarching synopsis of the events that chronicle the progress made in spine surgery since its conception. The review uniquely contributes to the growing body of literature on the expansion of spine surgery and highlights major events in its history.

Keywords: history of spine surgery; laminectomy; minimally invasive spine surgery; spinal fusion; spine surgery.

Figure 1. Illustration of the anterior and posterior plates of the padded iron corset Ambroise Paré would use for the treatment of scoliosis.

Reproduced from: Williams AN, Williams J. 'Proper to the duty of a chirurgeon': Ambroise Paré and sixteenth century paediatric surgery. J R Soc Med. 2004;97(9):446-449. doi:10.1258/jrsm.97.9.446. Image published under Creative Commons License BY 4.0.

Figure 2. Medtronic Mazor X Stealth Edition intraoperative use during posterior lumbar pedicle screw placement.

(A) Room staging with O-Arm Surgical Imaging System used for intraoperative 2D/3D imaging for integration into the Mazor system and placement of fluoroscopy on the opposing side of the patient for seamless access and transition intraoperatively. (B) From left to right: dilator, midas, drill bit, midas cannula, tap, solera, and MAS driver. The (C) drill, (D) tap, and (E) solera are used sequentially for screw placement. (F) Intraoperative fluoroscopy confirms accurate screw placement on axial imaging. (G) Intraoperative fluoroscopy confirms accurate screw placement on sagittal imaging. In figures F and G, "a" and "p" indicate anterior and posterior orientation, respectively. 'Image Credits: Tania Mamdouhi'.