A New Chapter for the International Journal of Spine Surgery: Global Perspective, Rapid Publishing, and Author-Centered Innovation

Often with leadership comes changes and new directions. As the editor-in-chief and deputy editors of the International Journal of Spine Surgery (IJSS), we are pleased to announce several key initiatives designed to modernize the journal’s engagement with authors and to broaden its global relevance. However, first I want to acknowledge this is YOUR journal and a place for you to express your thoughts on how to better our patients’ care. We are committed to transforming IJSS into a more dynamic, inclusive, and forward-looking platform—one that better reflects the international and interdisciplinary nature of spine care today.

IJSS will also serve as a platform for open dialog on contemporary issues that shape the field—not only around surgical innovation and clinical outcomes but also regarding policy, reimbursement, and implementation. These conversations must transcend national boundaries. There is much to be learned from how emerging technologies are studied and applied across different health care systems.

To support this evolution, the journal is re-evaluating the strategic use of article processing charges (APCs). While APCs remain a necessary mechanism to ensure the journal’s financial sustainability, we are taking deliberate steps to make them more accessible. We are actively pursuing discounts and waivers for active International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery members and potential APC deductions. Our goal is to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent quality research from reaching publication. As we improve our financial situation, the ultimate goal would be to continue reducing all fees so that this platform of exchange does not have a financial barrier.

We have also strengthened the editorial board to support this transformation. I am thrilled to welcome Professors Óscar Alves and Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski as chief deputy editors, who will lead efforts to expand both the clinical and scientific scope of the journal. Drs. Isaac Moss and Albert Telfeian, our deputy editors for manuscript processing, are focused on accelerating peer review, shortening turnaround times, and delivering meaningful, constructive feedback to authors.

We are further supported by the international leadership of Dr. Jun Ho Lee, who holds a key position within the Korean Minimally Invasive Spine Society; Dr. Benedikt Burkhardt, current president of the International Society for Minimal Intervention in Spinal Surgery; and Dr. Lewandrowski, who also serves as president of the Interamerican Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. Their collective expertise and global network will be instrumental in expanding the reach and relevance of IJSS worldwide and to help cultivate author engagement from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

To that end, we are introducing new article types, including Short Communications, Perspective Articles, and a reinvigorated Clinical Image/Video section. These formats will give authors the opportunity to share innovative concepts and clinical observations at earlier stages—particularly when robust evidence is still in development. Our goal is to make IJSS the first destination for reporting novel techniques and high-potential innovation in spine surgery.

Looking ahead, the journal plans to publish several special issues per year and is actively seeking vendor support to showcase high-level clinical research and expand the visibility of innovative technology. We also hope to attract submissions from international spine societies that may not have their own journal but are seeking broader reach and credibility. For such organizations, IJSS offers the infrastructure, audience, and indexing to be a valuable publishing partner. At the same time, these partnerships will help IJSS remain fiscally whole and support the financing of surgeon-driven and strategic innovations, including expanded content offerings. At the center of these efforts is Ms. Audrey Lusher, our managing editor, who plays a critical role in interfacing with all moving parts of the journal—including authors, reviewers, editors, and publishing partners—to ensure seamless coordination and continued progress.

Another goal is to improve international representation in submissions. Currently, the journal receives approximately 60% of its submissions from the United States. Our aim is to invert this ratio to 40% US and 60% international submissions. We believe that to lead in the global spine community, we must reflect its diversity in authorship, perspective, and clinical experience. Engaging a broader base of authors from Europe, Asia, Latin America, and beyond is a crucial step in that direction.

Finally, our editorial team will work closely with the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery Publication Committee to identify and support emerging trends more rapidly than ever before. Our shared goal is simple: to make IJSS the premier destination for high-quality, high-impact publications in the spine community worldwide.

We look forward to growing IJSS with your voice, your ideas, and your contributions, and we invite you to submit your feedback through our member survey at https://form.jotform.com/250795177774169.

• This manuscript is generously published free of charge by ISASS, the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery. Copyright © 2025 ISASS. To see more or order reprints or permissions, see http://ijssurgery.com.