Neurosurgical developments on the horizon

We live in an age of rapidly evolving and disseminated knowledge. New developments are springing up all the time often blurring the distinction between what is currently done, what can be done, and what should be done. The aim of this special issue for Surgical Neurology International – entitled “Neurosurgical Developments On The Horizon” – is to look at particular areas within the scope of Neurosurgery in a way that asks and answers the question of what developments lie on the horizon (i.e., are within sight but not yet clinically available). These developments can be either new diagnostic methods and/or therapies for which there is already good evidence (at least at the proof of concept level) and a clear pathway making it likely, or at least possible, that they will be a part of our clinical tool box within the next 5 years. As the guest editor of this issue, I understand that no one has a crystal ball. Nevertheless I have asked the authors to participate because of their unique vantage point in standing at the leading edge of their proven areas of expertise. It was my hope that they would use this invitation as an opportunity to pause, survey the landscape of their area of expertise, identify important clinical needs and opportunities, and then see and describe for the rest of us what worthwhile developments lie on the horizon that are within distance of realistically reaching within the next 5 years. It is also my hope that this special issue of Surgical Neurology International is one that wets the appetite of the next generation of neurosurgeons and infuses them with an exciting sense of anticipation that they are entering a field where dreams are becoming a reality and making a real difference in improving the clinical outcome of our patients.