Precision diagnosis and personalized recovery across the spinal cord injury spectrum

Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a critical, life-altering pathological process that serves as a primary determinant of disease severity and long-term prognosis across a diverse spectrum of spinal disorders. Although conventionally associated with acute mechanical trauma, SCI is increasingly recognized as a shared, complex pathway in chronic and developmental conditions, including spinal cord malformations (such as tethered spinal cord), bone malformations (such as scoliosis), and Chiari malformations. Variation in etiology, age at onset, disease course, sex, genetic background, and environmental factors complicates diagnosis and treatment. Recent advances in genomic testing, high-throughput sequencing, molecular biomarkers, and multimodal neuroimaging are improving the identification of disease mechanisms and patient-specific risks. At the same time, artificial intelligence, robotics, mixed-reality systems, stem-cell therapies, electrical stimulation, and nanofiber-based biomaterials are expanding therapeutic possibilities. However, these developments remain insufficiently integrated, and the field lacks comprehensive frameworks linking precise diagnosis with individualized treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up.This Research Topic aims to consolidate emerging evidence on precision diagnosis, innovative treatment, and comprehensive recovery strategies across the SCI spectrum. It will examine how genomic and molecular information can improve disease classification, prognostic assessment, and therapeutic selection; how advanced imaging and biomarkers can support longitudinal monitoring; and how surgical, regenerative, neuromodulatory, and rehabilitation interventions can be combined into personalized care pathways. Contributions may also address whether genetic, demographic, and clinical stratification improves outcomes and whether integrated recovery models can enhance the safety, effectiveness, and durability of emerging interventions.To gather further insights into precise diagnosis and comprehensive recovery planning for SCI, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Genomic diagnosis, exome and genome sequencing, and molecular profiling of SCI and related spinal disorders;• Genetic predisposition, disease mechanisms, and risk stratification in congenital or atypical spinal cord injury;• Molecular, biofluid, and imaging biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring;• Multimodal neuroimaging, including functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging, for lesion characterization and longitudinal follow-up;• Artificial intelligence, robotics, and mixed reality in spinal surgery and precision treatment planning;• Short- and long-term outcomes following advanced surgical interventions;• Stem-cell therapies, electrical stimulation, nanofiber-based biomaterials, and other regenerative or neuromodulatory approaches;• Personalized rehabilitation, exercise-based interventions, and multidisciplinary care pathways;• Clinical integration of diagnostic, surgical, regenerative, and rehabilitative strategies;• Age-, sex-, etiology-, and genotype-informed approaches to recovery and long-term care. Topic editors: Hao Wu, Siying Song, Jiayue Ding Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84216/precision-diagnosis-and-personalized-recovery-across-the-spinal-cord-injury-spectrum