Neurosurgical Study Design: Looking Toward the Future

Medical research is increasing in complexity with every year. The breadth of possibilities is expanding with every new methodologic and statistical innovation. Because of the pace at which this process evolves, it can feel impossible to keep up with developments. Neurosurgery has had a slow start in terms of clinical research and innovations, relying on small, single-center studies and underpowered randomized controlled trials. Lately, owing to serious improvements made to study design quality, the neurosurgical evidence base is growing. The special section on neurosurgical study design highlights the most important methodologic concepts to date and illustrates the most important methodologic advancements, which will shape the future of neurosurgical study design.