Authors: Max Aebi Robert Gunzburg
Publish Date: 2014/05/27
Volume: 23, Issue: 6, Pages: 1157-1157
Abstract
The first journal focusing on spine—SPINE—was founded 38 years ago by Henry LaRocca in the USA Twelve years later this journal had an offspring in form of the “Journal of Spinal Disorders and Techniques” targeting more surgical techniques and practice than basic science Although the 80s of last century became unprecedented in terms of development of new technologies in spine surgery mostly coming out of Europe there was no European scientific journal focusing on spine Spinerelated articles were mostly published in general orthopaedic journals To give the spine sciences and surgery in Europe its own face the European Spine Journal was founded by Springer in 1991 under the impulse of Max Aebi who became EditorinChief By the turn of the 20th into the 21st century there were five major journals with an exclusive focus on spine sciencesFrom the first the European Spine Journal choose to be a platform for bringing together clinicians and scientists from across all disciplines Whereas European at its inception it soon became attractive to many individuals and scientific societies outside Europe This broad base of interest is mirrored at the level of the Editorial Board where clinicians and scientists from societies all over the world figureThe European Spine Journal developed its own identity with diverse assets next to the regular issues with original papers review articles and case reports there came “grand rounds” and cinematographic material The European Spine Journal certainly did not miss the advent of the eage It also offers supplements as focus issues in specific fields and subspecialties and as platform for individual national spine societiesThe ever increasing number of medical publications presents a significant challenge for the individual practitioner who wants to choose the correct and relevant information The future success of journals will greatly depend on the way this challenge is addressedWith the European Spine Journal at the brink of transfer of the editorial responsibility from the EditorinChief of the last 23 years to the next one the post was opened to applicants via a large international appeal for candidatures There will be a smooth and progressive transition period with Max Aebi initially staying active in the Editorial Board The challenges ahead will require commitment and creative solutions and we are confident that the new EditorinChief together with Springer the Advisory and Editorial Boards as well as the readership will drive the European Spine Journal further on its upwards course
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