Burr Ridge, Ill. – December 17, 2007 – The “future is now” and this was made apparent by two educational courses that were highly attended at NASS’ 22nd Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas. The Section on Spine Biologics and Research and the Section on Motion Technology were new courses at the Annual Meeting that explored developments in spine care that can improve the industry. These courses were extremely well-received and are highly anticipated for NASS’ 23rd Annual Meeting in Toronto, Canada, in 2008.
The Section on Spine Biologics and Research: Biologics for the Treatment of Spinal Disorders had standing room only space and people had to be turned away at the door. Findings were presented about current biological therapies, including spinal fusion and disc regeneration. Course Chair Jeffrey C. Wang, MD, noted that the course was a “complete success.”
The use of biologics is being researched to determine clinical applications and spur future developments for spinal pathologies. S. Tim Yoon, MD, PhD, spoke about Gene Therapy for Spinal Fusion, more specifically the use of genes as growth factors for spinal fusion as an alternative to the high dose growth factors that are currently used in humans. Dr. Frank Phillips did a presentation on the possibility of using disc cells, which are cultured in a lab, for disc regeneration in his discussion on Stem Cell Therapies for Disc Regeneration and Fusion. Biologics are an ever-increasing part of the treatment of spinal disorders.
The Section on Motion Technology: Examining the Evidence was another highlight of the Meeting. Course Chair, Michael R. Zindrick, MD, was “very impressed with the faculty presentations” which explored the strengths and weaknesses of available evidence by using evidence-based medicine, statistics and study methodologies to determine the difficulties of performing the ideal study in the real world. This course presented information on the best methods for conducting clinical studies on motion technology. Dr. Zindrick noted that lectures by Dr. Sohail K. Mirza and Dr. Michael Janssen covered the “limitations of clinical studies, including pitfalls and risks, as well as the requirements needed to conduct a well-thought out study.” Clinical studies will enable motion technology to further develop and become a treatment option for more spine patients in the coming years.
# # #
The North American Spine Society (NASS) grew out of the need for a scientific spine society that would include all members of the spine community regardless of specialty or locale. NASS is a multidisciplinary organization that advances quality spine care through education, research and advocacy. NASS members are MDs, DOs and PhDs in 22 spine-related specialties including orthopedics, neurosurgery, physiatry, pain management and other disciplines. Nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, chiropractors, physical therapists, practice administrators and other allied health care professionals involved in spine care are also represented in NASS as affiliate members. For more information on spine care or to find a spine specialist in your area, please contact 866.960.NASS (6277) or visit www.spine.org.
For further information, contact:
Jean-Marie O'Neal
Toll-free: (866) 960-NASS (6277)
Direct: (630) 230-3650
Fax: (630) 230-3750