Stereotactic surgery: the early years.

ALTHOUGH STEREOTACTIC SURGERY was conceived at the turn of the 20th century, human applications did not gain momentum until the 1950s. Modern stereotactic surgery, as currently practiced, has rapidly developed in the past decade with computer assistance obviating the need for invasive localization techniques and ultimately leading to the development of frameless instruments. Applications of these techniques have also greatly expanded the use of stereotactic methods beyond functional neurosurgery.