The impact of technological advances in neurosurgery: historical perspectives and new developments

Technological advances have driven diagnostic and therapeutic improvements in the field of neurosurgery. The basic concepts underlying some of the most significant medical advances originated from specific needs in the management of neurosurgical disorders. The authors look at the historical background of modern neurosurgery and, in view of the evolution of the mechanical and computerised devices now considered the gold standard in the different branches of neurosurgery (trauma, oncological, vascular and functional), consider the possible future scenario in this field.