Neurospine 2025 June Issue eTOC

Inbo Han
(Korea)
Editor-in-Chief

In this editorial, we highlight the most notable research articles featured in the June 2025 issue of Neurospine. This issue includes 2 exceptional papers from the PSPS (Pacific Spine & Pain Society)/KNPS (Korean Neuro-Pain Society) special feature and 3 distinguished articles from regular submissions.

Yuan-Shan Zeng
(China)

Article 1: "Transcranial Optogenetic Stimulation Promotes Corticospinal Tract Axon Regeneration to Repair Spinal Cord Injury by Activating the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway"

This groundbreaking study demonstrates that modified transcranial optogenetic stimulation promotes corticospinal tract (CST) axon regeneration following complete spinal cord injury (SCI) in ChR2-YFP transgenic mice. Using a novel light emitting diode (LED) device for bilateral motor cortex activation, the researchers achieved significant enhancement of CST axon regrowth and improved hindlimb motor function. In vitro LED stimulation of motor cortex slices demonstrated increased neurite outgrowth, while proteomic analysis identified activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway as the key underlying mechanism. Pharmacological inhibition of this pathway suppressed neurite extension, confirming its critical role. These findings present optogenetically induced JAK2/STAT3 signaling as a promising therapeutic avenue for CST regeneration after SCI, offering new hope for translational applications in spinal cord injury treatment.

Michael Y. Oh
(USA)

Article 2: "Establishing a Standardized Fellowship Curriculum for Advanced Minimally Invasive Spine Interventions: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Training and Competency"

This comprehensive editorial addresses the urgent need for standardized training in minimally invasive spine interventions (MISI) for physicians from non-surgical specialties. In response to the growing demand for alternatives to lumbar fusion and concerns about overutilization, the authors propose a structured 1-year fellowship program emphasizing multidisciplinary training. The curriculum encompasses spinal anatomy, biomechanics, and advanced procedures including sacroiliac joint fusion, percutaneous lumbar decompression, and spinal cord stimulation. Core components feature hands-on rotations in both spine surgery and interventional pain practices. A comprehensive competency framework incorporating written examinations, objective structured clinical examinations, and detailed procedural logs is outlined. The editorial calls for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to standardize MISI training and expand access to safe, effective spine care alternatives.

Yoon Ha
(Korea)

Kota Watanabe
(Japan)

Article 4: "Proximal Thoracic Alignment Change Influences Cervical Sagittal Alignment After Correction Surgery in Patients With Lenke Type 2 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis"

This important study analyzed factors affecting cervical sagittal alignment (CSA) following posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in 102 patients with Lenke type 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Preoperatively, 55.9% of patients exhibited cervical malalignment (CM), characterized by greater cervical kyphosis, reduced proximal thoracic kyphosis (PTK), and diminished T1 slope compared to the non-CM group. At 2-year follow-up, CSA demonstrated significant improvement in the CM group, with increased PTK and T1 slope values. Main thoracic kyphosis (MTK) remained unchanged throughout the follow-up period. The findings suggest that PSF-induced enhancement of PTK, rather than MTK, elevates the T1 slope and contributes to CSA correction in Lenke type 2 AIS patients.

Seong-Soo Choi
(Korea)

Inbo Han, MD, PhD
Editor-in-Chief

Wen-Cheng Huang, MD, PhD
Deputy Editor

Toshiyuki Takahashi, MD, PhD
Deputy Editor

Jin Sung Kim, MD, PhD
Deputy Editor