�°Ĳʿ�� News

National rollout of NCIP portal to all consultant spinal surgeons in England

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:53:43 GMT

A national rollout of the National Consultant Information Programme (NCIP) portal is under way for consultant spinal surgeons across England, enabling them to confidentially review their personal practice to help improve clinical quality and patient safety.

All consultant spinal surgeons, clinical leads, responsible officers and medical directors are invited to register for access to more than 30 spinal dashboards in the NCIP tool. Procedures include high volume procedures such as posterior lumbar discectomy and decompression and specialist surgical conditions such as intradural intramedullary tumour excision.

Key features of NCIP include:

A ‘whole practice’ view, allowing consultants to see their surgical activity and pseudonymised patient records across all their providers in one view.
A ‘clinical leads’ view, enabling consultants who are specialty clinical leads to view NCIP data for all consultant peers in their unit.
Functionality to export data, which can be used to streamline clinical audit and support appraisal meetings.

About NCIP- Visit https://gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/associated_projects/ncip/
Login to NCIP: https://ncip.model.nhs.uk

NCIP is launching the national spinal rollout at the �°Ĳʿ�� conference in Bournemouth (March 20-22, 2024), where Chair of NCIP, Sir Norman Williams and NCIP’s Spinal clinical lead Mike Hutton will give a presentation on the benefits of regular use of NCIP data. Delegates – existing and new users – can visit the NCIP stand for a demonstration. Email pavitra.paniker@nhs.net for further details.

�°Ĳʿ��/BSS/ORUK Spine Research Fellowship 2024

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:04:05 GMT

Closing date for applications: 3rd May 2024

The British Scoliosis Society (BSS), The British Association of Spine Surgeons (�°Ĳʿ��), and Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) are pleased to announce a new, 2-year spine research fellowship.

This fellowship of up to £70k is funded between the three organisations across a period of 2 years. This will require a leave of absence from clinical roles and / or training with agreement of employers or training programme directors.

The fellowship is aimed at individuals with an interest in research into any spinal area. It is open for applications from any individual who is already a member of BSS or �°Ĳʿ�� or would be eligible to apply for full membership commensurate to their seniority within their professional group. Our approach is inclusive, and we would welcome applications by allied health professionals (AHPs) and nurses along with medical doctors (consultants and trainees).
It is envisioned that this role will be full time and will result in the awarding of an MD, or equivalent higher degree, in partnership with a UK university, along with high impact papers in recognised journals.

Application process
Applications will be a single stage process, with those successful invited for interview. The role is planned to commence in August 2024 and no later than March 2025.
Applications will be judged on the research idea presented, the prospective research fellow and their ability to deliver the research, and the supporting mentors / supervision team.

Read more in Guidelines for Researchers

The closing date for applications is Friday 3rd May 2024 at 17:00

Further information including contact details and application form can be found at: https://oruk.org/research/joint-partnership-funds/

Spine Societies are supporting Movember!

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 14:14:47 GMT

The British Scoliosis Society (BSS), �°Ĳʿ�� (�°Ĳʿ��) and the UKSSB are supporting 'Movember'!

Movember.com is a charity that funds projects to improve Men’s Health: Mental Health, Prostate Cancer and Testicular Cancer.

Please join the UK Spine Surgeons Team and our Captain Paul Thorpe and/or donate to the Team: https://movember.com/t/uk-spine-surgeons-1.

If a "Mo" is not for you then you can join us and raise money in other ways:

Move for mental health Run or walk 60km this Movember to support men’s health
Host a Mo-ment Host an event this Movember to support men’s health
Mo your own way Do your own wildcard idea this Movember to support men’s health

Submit pictures of you and your "Mo"!

Some may have already started but for those who haven’t... START YOUR MO TODAY

Team members can submit photos by the end of the month to movember@britscoliosis.org.uk and prizes will be awarded for "Best Mo", "Top Fundraiser", "Lame Mo" (worst moustache but the best effort) and "Best Mo Sister".

There will also be a Team photo at the BSS meeting in Liverpool!

Mo Sisters!

The only thing Mo Sistas can’t do is Grow (for obvious reasons) but if you would like to support the Team, You can purchase a Mo Sista or Mo Supporter Badge (£2) or T shirt (£10) at BSS Liverpool

All proceeds go to the UK Spine Surgeons team

To buy merchandise - Pay at BSS2023 in Liverpool or use this PayPal link and collect your badge/Tee at BSS Liverpool : https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8YNZlBbYuQ

The National suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome just got interactive!

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 15:24:19 GMT

Clinicians, nurses, AHPs working across the patient pathway can view and bookmark the new, easy-to-navigate format: https://girft-interactivepathways.org.uk/

GIRFT spinal services clinical lead Mike Hutton and content development manager Polly Hyde have worked with a range of stakeholders* on the new interactive version of our existing pathway, which can be used and bookmarked on all handheld and desktop devices in a range of care settings.

The easy-to-navigate, web-based tool is designed for use by clinicians, nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) at every stage of the CES patient pathway, from GP presentation to post-operative care. It guides users through examples of the processes and key decisions they should work through for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients in their care.

Mike said: “Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) can be devastating to a patient’s quality of life if the condition is not managed in a time efficient manner. Our interactive pathway means clinical teams can see best practice for diagnosis and treatment at the click of a button on their phone or device, which can aid timely decision making in a period when time is most critical.” More info: https://bit.ly/3Qi06Dp

GIRFT would like to give thanks to the organisations who have collaborated on, reviewed and co-badged this pathway every step of the way:
�°Ĳʿ�� (�°Ĳʿ��), British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS), British Orthopaedic Association (BOA), The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), National Spine Network (NSN), The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR), Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR), Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS), Cauda Equina Champions Charity, Spinal Injuries Association, British Society of Skeletal Radiologists (BSSR)

�°Ĳʿ��: Women in Spine Event - 1-2 Dec 2023, Cotswold Lodge Hotel, Oxford

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 11:03:49 GMT

For further information and to register, visit: http://womeninspine2023.eventbrite.co.uk

Fee: £50.00 (includes accommodation and dinner)
Registration ends on week before the event

�°Ĳʿ��2024: Bournemouth - Abstract Submission Portal IS NOW OPEN!

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:42:47 GMT

The �°Ĳʿ�� (�°Ĳʿ��) Conference and Exhibition will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre in March 2024!

We welcome abstract submissions from both members and non-members on a variety of topics, including: Cervical degenerative, Commissioning, Governance & Patient Pathways, Deformity, Infection, Innovation, Intradural, Lumbar degenerative, Spinal Injuries, Trauma, Tumour and Misc/Other

Visit the �°Ĳʿ��2024 submission portal at: https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/stages/6675/submitter

Deadline for submissions: Wednesday 20th December 2023

All completed abstracts will be considered for either an oral 5-minute podium presentation or a poster presentation for the conference, which will be taking place in Bournemouth as a face-to-face meeting.
There unfortunately will be no options for virtual presentations.

A panel will review submitted abstracts in the weeks after deadline closure, and we will communicate by email to all submitters as soon as possible when decisions have been made, and we will ask for submitters to confirm any offers for presentation made.

If you have any questions, queries or issues with submitting abstracts then please contact us by email at abstracts@spinesurgeons.ac.uk

For more information on the conference, including registration, sponsorship and exhibition, visit /�°Ĳʿ��2024 and follow us on Twitter/X (@B ASSspine) for further updates.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and welcoming you in Bournemouth in March 2024!

Registration for �°Ĳʿ�� 2024 will be opening in the coming months
We will be notifying members by email and publicly on Twitter/X when this occurs.

�°Ĳʿ�� and BSS funded places on the BOA Future Leaders Programme

Wed, 17 May 2023 16:07:07 GMT

The �°Ĳʿ�� (�°Ĳʿ��) and the British Scoliosis Society (BSS) will be sponsoring one place each on this round of the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) Future Leaders Programme (FLP)

This places are only open to members of �°Ĳʿ�� or BSS, and applications will close next Tuesday 6th June 2023.

To be eligible to take part in the programme, when the programme runs, you must be either:

A senior trainee (ST8 or above)
A newly appointed consultant (less than 3 years)
An SAS Surgeon (FRCS Tr&Orth)
A post-CCT Surgeon

The successful candidate must be a �°Ĳʿ�� or BSS member, and BOA member when the programme runs to be eligible to take part (you may still apply without BOA membership, but will need to apply if successful. You must be a �°Ĳʿ�� or BSS member upon application)

For more information on the FLP and how to apply, visit the BOA website: https://www.boa.ac.uk/learning-and-events/courses/boa-future-leaders-programme.html

Come to our Trainee Sessions at BritSpine 2023 in Glasgow!

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 09:40:49 GMT

Pathway supports clinicians to diagnose and treat Cauda Equina Syndrome without delay

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 14:43:51 GMT

A new pathway helping clinicians to better diagnose and care for patients with suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is now available from the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) team.

GIRFT worked collaboratively a multidisciplinary group of more than 60 healthcare professionals to develop the interactive pathway, designed to support teams to diagnose and treat the condition without delay. It offers best practice along all stages of the pathway, from presentation to GP or in the community through to post-operative care. It is supported by detailed guidance, including best practice for referrals and imaging, surgical techniques and pain control.

The resources were developed in collaboration with the former Best MSK Health improvement programme and are co-badged by 11 professional bodies, including �°Ĳʿ��, NSN, BOA and SBNS.

GIRFT is running a webinar on 2nd March 2023 (1pm-2.15pm) to discuss the stages of the pathway and to allow clinicians to ask questions. Register now.

�°Ĳʿ��/BSS Presidents' Travelling Fellowship 2023 - applications welcome

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 18:32:27 GMT

Applications are invited for the 2023 Presidents' Travelling Fellowship

Deadline: Tuesday 31st January 2023

The British Association of Spinal Surgeons (�°Ĳʿ��) and the British Scoliosis Society (BSS) offer senior residents, spinal fellows and consultants within two years of their appointment a chance to have extensive exposure to complex spinal procedures at established spinal units over 2 weeks.

The Fellowship programme includes mandatory attendance at the following spine meeting, which will be BritSpine 2023 in Glasgow, 18-20 April 2023. The programme rotates between established orthopaedic and neurosurgical spinal centres allowing significant contact between fellows and leaders in the field.

The Fellowship will take place between 20th and 31th March 2023. The Fellowship will rotate around centres in the UK (Centres proposed include Ipswich, Norwich, Newcastle and Sheffield - subject to change). Successful fellows will then attend BritSpine 2023 in Glasgow to present as a group on their Fellowship.

Further details can be obtained from Mr David Cumming (president@spinesurgeons.ac.uk) and Mr Ashley Cole (president@britscolisis.org.uk)

Application Process:
To apply, please submit the following documents:

your Curriculum Vitae (CV),
a personal statement describing your career pathway, interests and future plans.
A letter of recommendation from your supervising consultant/clinical lead.

Your application should be sent to UKSSB@boa.ac.uk by Tuesday 31st January 2023. (only Word or PDF file formats accepted)

Applications will be reviewed by a panel from the �°Ĳʿ�� and BSS Executives. All candidates will be informed of the decisions after the application deadline.

Eligibility Criteria:
(For further criteria, please refer to person specification here)

Applicants should be members of either �°Ĳʿ��, BSS, BOA, SBNS or local spine society.
Applicants should be post-FRCS exam senior residents, clinical spinal fellows or junior consultants in the first 2 years of their appointment.
Previously unsuccessful applicants can re-apply.
Fellowships cannot be awarded retrospectively.

Details of The 2023 Fellowship:

�°Ĳʿ��/BSS will reimburse travelling expenses up to £2,000. Claims must be submitted within 6 months of the Fellowship. Detailed financial arrangements will be provided to successful candidates.
International fellows will be required to pay for their flights to the UK.
By accepting the Fellowship, all awardees agree not to partake in any activities that will bring �°Ĳʿ��/BSS and/or sponsors into disrepute. �°Ĳʿ��/BSS accept no liability for the actions of the candidates whilst on the Fellowship or for activities related to it.
Each Fellow is required to submit a report of approximately 500 words within 6 weeks of completion of the Fellowship. This may be published on the �°Ĳʿ�� and/or BSS websites and official communications.
Fellows will attend BritSpine 2023 and present a group presentation (Wednesday 19th April 2023, subject to change)

CSF Leak Incidence and Plan - CLIP Study

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:17:00 GMT

The �°Ĳʿ�� trainee committee would like to invite you to participate in the National Study - CSF Leak Incidence and Plan - CLIP Study.

The CLIP study is our new national prospective, multicentred, trainee-Initiative study. Building on the success of the MoveCom study we wish to create a model whereby the �°Ĳʿ�� members can collaborate to create a substantial work of research to answer clinically relevant and important questions.

Please find details about the CLIP study below:
Name: CLIP - CSF Leak Incidence and Plan
Type of Study: National, prospective, observational study.
Aims: To assess current practice regarding managing dural tears throughout centres in terms of immediate surgical treatment, imaging and management within neurosurgical and orthopaedic units
Study duration: 6 months, data collection to commence Jan 2023
Benefit for collaborators: All collaborators and data collectors shall be recognised with collaborator status / collaborative authorship on any presentation or publication

All collaborators that sign up will receive a toolkit regarding the study providing future information. We are very excited to share this opportunity with you - our �°Ĳʿ�� members. We hope you will join us in making this a successful collaborative project. Please use the registration link below to join our study group.

Registration form: https://forms.gle/YEt7jr6923gv6qe27

Best wishes,
CLIP Study Team - clipstudy�°Ĳʿ��@gmail.com
�°Ĳʿ�� Trainee Committee

ORUK/�°Ĳʿ��/BSS Spine Research Fellowship 2023

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 18:50:33 GMT

The British Scoliosis Society (BSS) and The British Association of Spine Surgeons (�°Ĳʿ��), in conjunction with Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK), are pleased to announce a new, two year, research fellowship.

This research fellowship of up to £60k is funded between the three organisations for a period of 2 years. This will require a leave of absence from clinical roles and / or training with agreement of employers or training programme directors.

It is aimed at individuals with an interest in research in to any spinal area. It is open for applications to any individual who is already a member of either BSS or �°Ĳʿ��, or would be eligible to apply for full membership commensurate to their seniority within their professional group. To be clear, this includes allied health professionals (AHPs) and nurses along with medical doctors (consultants and trainees).

It is envisioned that this role will be full time and will result in the awarding of an MD, or equivalent higher degree, in partnership with a UK university, along with high impact papers in recognised journals.

Applications will be a single stage process with those successful invited for interview. The role is planned to commence in August 2023.

Applications will be judged on the research idea presented, the prospective research fellow and their ability to deliver the research, and the supporting mentors / supervision team.

Closing date for applications is on Friday, 17 February 2023 at 17:00

Further information and application can be found at: https://oruk.org/research/joint-partnership-funds/

Future Leaders Programme with BOA - �°Ĳʿ��-sponsored place

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 12:56:27 GMT

The 2023 BOA Future Leaders Programme (FLP) has launched and applications are now open.

�°Ĳʿ�� will be sponsoring one fellow on the 2023 FLP. This place is only open to members of �°Ĳʿ��, and applications will close on 5th September 2022.

To be eligible to take part in the programme, when the programme runs, you must be either:

A senior trainee (ST8 or above)
A newly appointed consultant (less than 3 years)
An SAS Surgeon (FRCS Tr & Orth)
A post-CCT Surgeon

The successful candidate must be a BOA member when the programme runs to be eligible to take part (you may still apply without BOA membership, but will need to apply if successful. You must be a �°Ĳʿ�� member upon application)

�°Ĳʿ�� will have an executive board panel assessment to select the successful candidate. All applications will be anonymised to reduce the potential for unconscious bias.

Please download the Main BOA Future Leaders Programme application form, provide your CV and complete the Equality and Diversity Monitoring form. Send your completed application to policy@boa.ac.uk

More information on the FLP and how to apply is on the BOA website at boa.ac.uk/flp and www.boa.ac.uk/learning-and-events/courses/boa-future-leaders-programme/how-to-apply.html

Women in Spine Education Meeting (WISE) - Celebrating Women In Spine Surgery

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 10:05:55 GMT

Tickets are LIMITED Register today to avoid disappointment!

Please visit our dedicated registration portal for further details including the full programme and how to register: womeninspine.eventbrite.co.uk

�°Ĳʿ�� Webinar - 10 Aug @ 7pm - How to avoid and how to tackle allegations of professional misconduct

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 19:24:23 GMT

Registration Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LsEKlOGlQ1KWNZGVju_mdA

SBNS 2022 Conference - Blackpool

Tue, 24 May 2022 13:41:56 GMT

SBNS 2022 Conference - Blackpool

27-30 September 2022Combined �°Ĳʿ�� sessions

Abstracts submissions welcome

Deadline for Abstracts to SBNS: 8 June 2022 at 5pm

The first combined �°Ĳʿ�� and SBNS meeting will take place on 27th and 28th of September at Blackpool.

We wish to encourage the submission of abstracts for this exciting meeting which will provide a unique platform for closer integration and networking of the spinal surgeons between the two specialities.

Tuesday afternoon session will have a theme, "learning from complications" based on various topics. Wednesday morning will have lifelong learning session on Spinal topics of common interest to both specialities.

We encourage all, including �°Ĳʿ�� members (both Neuro and Ortho) to submit abstracts via the Abstract Portal, and to register to attend this combined conference.

The details of this meeting, including registration can be found here: https://www.sbns.org.uk/index.php/conferences/blackpool-2022/

Sponsorship and Advertising for the March 2022 edition of the Column & Cord Journal

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 17:08:12 GMT

The new issue of Column & Cord will be launched at �°Ĳʿ�� 2022 and is published on behalf of �°Ĳʿ�� by Open Box Media and Communications Ltd, the publishers of the BOA’s Journal of Trauma and Orthopaedics. The next edition will be published in March 2022 and:

Available in print and online, the Journal will give comprehensive coverage of abstracts and original articles from the �°Ĳʿ�� and BritSpine meetings
Distributed to all �°Ĳʿ�� members, and members of all constituent societies of the UKSSB, along with social media promotion
Will be hosted on the �°Ĳʿ�� website as well as its own unique website www.columnandcord.com. The �°Ĳʿ�� website gets around 13,000-17,000 unique page views a month
Everyone who attends �°Ĳʿ�� 2022 in Belfast will receive a print copy of Column&Cord distributed at the event.

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available in this edition, and discounts are available for confirmed exhibitors at the �°Ĳʿ�� 2022 conference.

For more information, please download the Media Pack and Order Form

For all advertising, sponsorship, or general enquiries please contact:
Mandy Boyle, Media Manager, Open Box M&C
+44 (0)121 200 7820 | e. mandy@ob-mc.co.uk

MoVe Com Study - the �°Ĳʿ�� trainee collaborative

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 13:39:49 GMT

The �°Ĳʿ�� Trainee Collaborative (2021-2022) would like to invite you to take part in our survey-based project relating to the management of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures (MoVe Com).

Current guidance from NICE states that percutaneous vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty without stenting (Cement Augmentation techniques) are recommended as options for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in people who have severe ongoing pain after a recent, unhealed vertebral fracture despite optimal non-invasive pain management options and in whom the pain has been confirmed to be at the level of the fracture by physical examination and imaging.

The study aims to assess current practice in terms of use of non-invasive management technique options and use of cement augmentation techniques within your unit.

If your unit regularly reviews patients following vertebral compression fractures, then you are eligible to take part.

We are encouraging trainees to take part and sign up as trainee collaborators. If your trainee would like to be involved please ask them to register themselves by emailing our �°Ĳʿ�� Medical Student representative on annielaw96@outlook.com. The trainee collaborator shall be responsible for collecting the survey responses from the spinal surgeons working within your unit. Each collaborator will receive collaborator status with each subsequent presentation or publication from this project.

Those spinal surgeon consultants who would like to complete the survey directly, please access the link here: https://forms.gle/cFWyFpmU5zphqnGr7

We hope you will join us in making this collaborative research project a great success.

Many thanks
�°Ĳʿ�� Trainee Collaborative (2021-2022)

Document Links:

MoVe Com Leaflet

Rules of Engagement

Management Survey Toolkit

Collaborator Instructions

�°Ĳʿ�� 2022 Registration is now open!

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 14:01:40 GMT

Registration for �°Ĳʿ�� 2022 has now opened with a variety of ticket types for you to attend. Not only are there standard and discounted rates for the main conference (23-25 March), there is also a Spinal Masterclass on 22 March and we are also hosting the National Backpain Pathway - Clinical Network Annual Meeting which will be of interest to many of our attendees.

We have also guaranteed no price increases from our previous meeting, along with subsidised rates for our members and some professions.

Early-Bird rates are also available on many ticket types until 9 February 2022 - so don't delay, register today!!

Visit our registration portal at: https://cvent.me/RRBvM0

We will be posting more about our programme, speakers and networking opportunities in the coming months by email to all members, and on our Twitter (@�°Ĳʿ��spine) so please do follow us so you don't miss out on any announcements!

�°Ĳʿ��2022 Abstract Submission Portal is NOW OPEN

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 15:35:41 GMT

�°Ĳʿ�� 2022 is taking place at the ICC Belfast, Northern Ireland on 23-25 March 2022
and we are now accepting abstract submissions for presentation at the conference as either oral or poster presentations.

Deadline for submissions will be MIDDAY on Wednesday 5th January 2021

To submit your abstract(s), visit our dedicated submission portal: https://flame.firebird.systems/archer-yates/�°Ĳʿ��2022/MySubmissions

After the deadline closes, abstracts will be reviewed by a panel of judges and we hope to notify all submitters within a month of the closure of submissions.

If you have any questions, queries or issues with submitting abstracts then please contact us by email at abstracts@spinesurgeons.ac.uk or our administrative support at ukssb@boa.ac.uk

For more information on the conference, visit /�°Ĳʿ��2022 and follow us on Twitter (@�°Ĳʿ��spine) for further updates.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and welcoming you in Belfast in March 2022!

�°Ĳʿ�� Boot Camp 2021 - 10-11 Sept 2021

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 18:32:22 GMT

To Register for �°Ĳʿ�� Boot Camp – visit our registration page: https://bassbootcamp2021.eventbrite.co.uk

The �°Ĳʿ�� (�°Ĳʿ��) will be holding their annual Boot Camp, 10-11 September 2021. A fantastic opportunity to prepare Senior Trainees and Fellows for life as a Consultant Spinal Surgeon.

Sessions include:

How to set up an NHS and Private practice and finding your niche
Patient expectations – Consent in the post Montgomery era
Effective clinical governance and setting up MDT for complex spine work
Enhancing your CV for the Consultant Interview
and many more interactive sessions…

Meet your fellow trainees (Ortho and Neuro) for networking and team building

Registration Fee - £100.00
Fee includes Accommodation and Meals (travel is not covered)

Organiser and Faculty Contact:
Mr Rajat Verma - �°Ĳʿ�� Education - education@spinesurgeons.ac.uk
Mr David Cumming - �°Ĳʿ�� President - president@spinesurgeons.ac.uk

�°Ĳʿ�� Debate Series "To Move or to Fuse" Free Webinar - Tuesday 13th July 2021

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 16:02:41 GMT

We are delighted to present our first Great debate. This will take place every second month and will be a Consultant led and moderated debate on topics all around Spinal surgery.
This month we have a fantastic faculty that will be debating the use of Cervical Disc Replacements vs Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. We will be using some cases to illustrate the pathology targeted but the debate will be focused on indications, pitfalls and results of the techniques.

This webinar is free for all members of UK spine societies - register now at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6Jhxo8oZRZWFpe-oux8Avg

Hosts:
Mr Rajat Verma (BSS / �°Ĳʿ�� Education Lead)
Mr Rohit Shetty (�°Ĳʿ��)
Mr Alex Goubran (�°Ĳʿ�� Trainee Rep)

Speakers:
- Mr Aparjay Golash (�°Ĳʿ�� / Preston)
- Mr Irfan Siddique (�°Ĳʿ�� / Salford)

Moderator: Mr David Cumming (�°Ĳʿ�� President)

Whilst aimed at post-CCT fellows, consultants, registrars and doctors from other grades are welcome to join. A certificate of attendance will be provided on receipt of a completed feedback form.

The event is free to attend and open to non-members to join. Please share with your colleagues and trainees.

For those unable to attend, or wish to review the content again at a later stage, the webinar will be recorded and posted onto the �°Ĳʿ�� website, within the members section.

Details of how to become a �°Ĳʿ�� member can be found here: /Member-Benefits

�°Ĳʿ�� Trainee Sub-Committee: Applications welcome

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 16:02:07 GMT

Applications close on ~~25th July 2021~~ 2nd August 2021

The �°Ĳʿ�� executive trainee subcommittee are looking to appoint enthusiastic, engaged and forward thinking trainees of any level to our team. We will be looking on taking more of a role in education, research, quality improvement and most importantly improving the pathway for all future Spinal surgeons at a time when training has been so badly effected by the pandemic. We want to work as a close knit collaborative over the next 18 months to 2 years and in that time engage and close the community between Spinal surgery trainees and Consultants alike. We look forward to hearing from you and receiving your application.

Apply here: https://forms.gle/v4CSVAzZn2tJiQSP7

For further information on �°Ĳʿ�� and the work of the subcommittee, please visit www.spinesurgeons.ac.uk

Video: "Diversity in Spine - An evening with David Sellu: Did he save lives?"

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:39:12 GMT

Recording of a live webinar from evening of Thursday 10th June 2021: https://youtu.be/Hj9nH-wK53M

Diversity in Spine - An evening with David Sellu: Did he save lives?

David Sellu is a colorectal surgeon based in London, who was unfairly convicted of killing a patient in 2010, who died of complication of emergency bowel surgery. As a consequence, he spent almost 2 years in prison before he was released and able to launch an appeal that overturned his conviction. He has since written a book, describing his experiences and also his pathway into medicine, from very humble beginnings in Sierra Leone, Africa. His story is truly a fascinating one, and has a lesson as well as inspiration for all surgeons.

�°Ĳʿ�� and BSS sponsored places for the 2022 BOA Future Leaders Programme (FLP)

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 12:57:32 GMT

Dear �°Ĳʿ�� and BSS Members,

The 2022 BOA Future Leaders Programme (FLP) has launched and applications are now open.
Both the �°Ĳʿ�� (�°Ĳʿ��) and the British Scoliosis Society (BSS) will be sponsoring one fellow each for the 2022 FLP. These two places are only open to members of �°Ĳʿ�� and BSS. Applications will close on 6th September 2021.

To be eligible to take part in the programme, when the programme runs, you must be either:
•   A senior trainee (ST8 or above)
•   A newly appointed consultant (less than 3 years)
•   An SAS Surgeon (FRCS Tr & Orth)
•   A post-CCT Surgeon

The successful candidate must also be a BOA member when the programme runs to be eligible to take part.
�°Ĳʿ�� and BSS will have panels to select the successful candidate for these society-funded places. All applications will be anonymised by the BOA to reduce the potential for unconscious bias.

Please download the Main BOA Future Leaders Programme application form, provide your CV and complete the Equality and Diversity Monitoring form. Send your completed application to policy@boa.ac.uk

More information on the FLP and how to apply is on the BOA website at boa.ac.uk/flp

Survey Distribution to �°Ĳʿ�� Society Members

Thu, 20 May 2021 12:14:40 GMT

Are you completing a research project or data collection exercise you want to have a wider reach with your peers and colleagues?

�°Ĳʿ�� have some options available for survey distributions:

- �°Ĳʿ�� members can log in to the �°Ĳʿ�� forum (login required) and encourage others to complete the survey and debate on their own dedicated thread

- Anyone can request a survey distribution to go �°Ĳʿ�� members by email via the UKSSB Newsletter. To access the request form and for more information, visit: https://www.ukssb.com/survey-distributions

Diversity in Spine - An evening with David Sellu: Did he save lives?

Tue, 11 May 2021 18:54:14 GMT

This event has ended - to view the recording, please visit the �°Ĳʿ�� YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/Hj9nH-wK53M

We would like to invite you to attend this unique talk taking place on Thursday 10th June 2021 at 8pm. This webinar is hosted by �°Ĳʿ�� and arranged by Hui-Ling Kerr, Diversity Rep on the �°Ĳʿ�� Executive.

Registration is FREE and required at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UUDpq0KDT6KSJ5y0k36UrA

David Sellu is a colorectal surgeon based in London, who was unfairly convicted of killing a patient in 2010, who died of complication of emergency bowel surgery. As a consequence, he spent almost 2 years in prison before he was released and able to launch an appeal that overturned his conviction. He has since written a book, describing his experiences and also his pathway into medicine, from very humble beginnings in Sierra Leone, Africa.
His story is truly a fascinating one, and has a lesson as well as inspiration for all surgeons.

David Sellu qualified in Medicine from Manchester and held his first post as Consultant Surgeon in Oman. There he helped shape the curriculum of the new medical school and also worked in a new tertiary hospital.
On return to the UK in 1993, Sellu was employed as an academic, as a Senior Lecturer in Surgery at the then Royal Postgraduate Medical School at Hammersmith Hospital, later incorporated into Imperial College. Afterwards, he transferred to the NHS as a Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon at Ealing Hospital. While at Ealing, he was granted practising privileges at the private Clementine Churchill Hospital in Harrow.
A patient died under his care at the Clementine in 2010, an event that was to change his life. He was unfairly convicted of the patient’s manslaughter and given a two-and-a-half year prison sentence; he served half of this in some of the toughest prisons in the country.
On his release his friends, family and he launched an appeal, which saw his conviction overturned in the Royal Courts of Justice. They uncovered evidence of racism and corporate greed, where the interest of the business prevailed over patient safety.
Sellu has written a riveting account of these events in a memoir entitled ‘Did He Save Lives? A Surgeon’s Story.’

Statement from the British Scoliosis Society (BSS) and the �°Ĳʿ�� (�°Ĳʿ��) regarding wait times for adult and paediatric elective spine patients

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:59:05 GMT

PDF Statement: 210407 - BSS-�°Ĳʿ�� Statement.pdf

A recent publication of a paper in Bone and Joint Journal highlighted the “worse than death” quality of life scores for a number of patients in pain from arthritis of the hip and knee with lengthened wait times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.1

As spine surgeons managing patients in severe pain due to arthritic conditions as well as severe pain and despair from nerve root compression, we very much echo the concerns from our arthroplasty colleagues about our patient groups.

There are many patients now waiting many months for pain relieving interventions that have not been able to access elective lists due to the capacity issues related to the pandemic. These interventions usually come at the end of a conservative trial that has already failed, meaning that there is no other alternative for these patients whilst waiting. In addition, we have all seen patients progress to neurological compromise during the pandemic, requiring unplanned urgent or emergent surgery as a consequence. Unfortunately, on some occasions these can be irreversible changes. Children with spine deformity have also progressed in terms of their disease whilst waiting.

As organisations with clinician members concerned about the welfare of our patients, we urge that NHS bodies and Trusts work with us to find sustainable solutions to restart elective work in a safe way that allows equity of access to “COVID green” pathways, critical care facilities and MRSA screened facilities for spine surgery patients. We recognise that care needs to be focussed on clinical priorities, but welcome reassurance that the FSSA prioritisation categories are honoured regardless of underlying surgical condition. We also urge that resources are used to improve the well-being of all patients with awful pain that are awaiting surgery as soon as possible.

References:
1 https://online.boneandjoint.org.uk/doi/full/10.1302/0301-620X.103B.BJJ-2021-0104.R1

“Fine Wine, Dine and Spine” Webinar Experience - 17th March 2021 @ 8pm

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 11:13:07 GMT

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Cymru in collaboration with �°Ĳʿ�� (�°Ĳʿ��) and United Kingdom Spine Societies Board (UKSSB) would like to invite you to the

“Fine Wine, Dine and Spine” Webinar Experience

17th March 2021 @ 8pm

Free Admission - register today!

This webinar aims to offer you more than just another ‘virtual talk’. We have a wine and dine experience to begin with, and some fascinating talks from experts across the country who will be reflecting on their learning and experience of using video consultations in their clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of these innovative ways of working and lessons can be embedded in our future practice and this session will not only leave you with insights into future healthcare delivery but also some take home messages you could apply in your own work.

Clinical Management Update - Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 20:57:18 GMT

�°Ĳʿ�� Clinical Management Update - IONM_final agreed version.pdf

Clinical Management Update - Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)

Background

IONM can reduce the risks of permanent neurological deficit associated with spinal surgery. However, whilst its use in certain spinal surgical procedures is well established there is currently no consensus view on the use of IONM in degenerative cases and in resection of intradural spinal cord tumours.

Indications for the use of IOM

The indications for spinal cord monitoring set out below are based on the results of a recent �°Ĳʿ�� / SBNS survey of its members(1) and a literature review(2-13).

Based on established and current practice, IONM is considered mandatory for the following procedures: correction of spinal deformity in the thoracic spine, DLIF/XLIF procedures and the reduction of a high-grade spondylolisthesis.

According to the results of the �°Ĳʿ��/SBNS membership survey and a literature review, the use of IONM should be strongly considered for anterior thoracic discectomy and intramedullary tumour resection but is not mandatory. When used, the risks of neurological injury need to be balanced against the primary surgical aims of decompression and tumour resection.

According to the results of the �°Ĳʿ��/SBNS survey and a literature review, the use of IONM is neither mandatory nor commonplace for the following procedures: cervical decompression for myelopathy, posterior thoracic decompression for myelopathy and resection of intradural extramedullary tumours.

The local availability of neurophysiological monitoring services, regional spinal network practices and agreements, and individual case factors should guide decision making for the use of IONM for all non-mandatory procedures.

Planning Intraoperative Neuromonitoring

No form of intraoperative monitoring is 100% specific or sensitive for detecting all injuries to the spinal cord or peripheral nerves but when well performed, relevant multimodal intraoperative neuromonitoring (MIONM) can approach this.

Clinical judgement must always be used to assess the risks associated with specific stages or manoeuvres during an operation.

Discussion of any planned IONM with the patient during the consenting process is advisable.

Preoperative planning of IONM techniques to be employed is critical to ensure relevant information can be obtained and good communication is critical to ensuring the information is delivered in a timely manner.

Confirm that the anaesthetist is aware that multimodal IONM is to be used to ensure appropriate anaesthetic and relaxant employed.

Where appropriate and safe, perform and document pre-positioning (and sometimes pre-intubation) baseline recordings in cases where there is a high risk associated with positioning. e.g. prone positioning for dislocation/severe myelopathy.

Establish baseline recording again prior to commencing surgery: normally continuing monitoring until closure.

Keep detailed records of any adverse monitoring events and remedial steps taken.

Neuromonitoring Modalities

Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) are normally best used in conjunction with free running electromyography (EMG) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs).

Consider D-wave utilisation to provide additional monitoring of corticospinal tracts in intradural procedures, particularly intramedullary tumour cases.

Consider spinal mapping procedures to localise the midline where this is distorted (eg in intramedullary tumour surgery).

Consider direct nerve stimulation (DNS) to localise/identify roots where required.

Bilateral recording and recording above and below the operative level can be utilised to help locate problems e.g. to discriminate between artefactual, physiological (e.g. anaesthetic induced) and pathological changes in MEP/EP and sometimes D-wave recordings.

Management of reduction/loss MEP/SSEP prior to manipulation of neural tissue or correction of deformity

Ensure that deterioration is not artefactual. Check lead connections. Ensure that muscle relaxants have not been administered.
Consider correcting hypotension and hypothermia if present.
Consider that deterioration could be positioning related. Consider returning patient to supine position.
Consider “wake up test” to identify motor responses.

Management of reduction/loss of MEP/SSEP during direct manipulation of the spinal cord

Discontinue manipulation of the cord for 5-15 mins and assess for improvement.
Consider correcting hypotension or hypothermia if present.
Consider dexamethasone bolus.
If no improvement occurs with these manoeuvres then the surgeon will need to decide whether to proceed with surgery accepting the likelihood of significant post-operative deficit or to discontinue surgery. This decision will be individualised and take into account the patient’s underlying condition, rate of pre-surgical clinical deterioration, and likely prognosis.

Management of reduction/loss of MEP/SSEP during deformity correction surgery

Ensure that deterioration is not artefactual. Check lead connections. Ensure that muscle relaxants have not been administered.
Consider correcting any hypotension or hypothermia if present.
Consider lightening the plane of anaesthesia. The use of the Bispectral Index and Spectral Edge Frequency can be helpful in determining the depth of anaesthesia.
If no improvement occurs with these manoeuvres, then release all corrective measures and check screw positions with imaging.
Wait to see if there is a return of normal MEP / SSEP.
Consider “wake-up test” to identify motor responses.
Consider discussion with colleague.

Acknowledgements

Dr Alan Forster, F.R.C.P., Consultant Clinical Neurophysiologist (for neurophysiology advice)

Mr Paul Brewer, Spinal Surgery ST6 (for literature review)

References:

1. A survey of surgeons’ use of intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring. �°Ĳʿ��/SBNS. May 2019 (to be presented at Britspine 2021).

2. Value of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring to reduce neurological complications in patients undergoing anterior cervical spine procedures for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Parthasarathy D. Thirumala. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 25 (2016) 27–35.

3. Intraoperative Neuromonitoring for Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery. What Is the Evidence? Remi M. Ajiboye, MD, et al. SPINE Volume 42, Number 6, pp 385–393.

4. Investigating the utility of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: analysis of over 140,000 cases from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample data set. Jetan H. Badhiwala, MD, et al. J Neurosurg Spine 31:76–86, 2019.

5. Predictive value of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring during cervical spine surgery: a prospective analysis of 1055 consecutive patients. Michael O’Kelleher, et al. J Neurosurg Spine 8:215–221, 2008.

6. Surgery for Giant Calcified Herniated Thoracic Discs: A Systematic Review. Min Gong, et al. World Neurosurg. (2018) 118:109-117.

7. Anterior Transthoracic Surgery with Motor Evoked Potential Monitoring for High-Risk Thoracic Disc Herniations: Technique and Results. Erwin Cornips, et al. World Neurosurg. (2017) 105:441-455.

8. Comparison of intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring outcomes between cervical and thoracic spine surgery. Shujie Wang, et al. Eur Spine J (2017) 26:2404–2409.

9. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring for intradural extramedullary spinal tumors: predictive value and relevance of D-wave amplitude on surgical outcome during a 10-year experience. Reza Ghadirpour, et al. J Neurosurg Spine 30:259–267, 2019.

10. Spinal intradural extramedullary tumors: the value of intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring on surgical outcome. Ran Harel, et al. Neurosurg Rev (2017) 40:613–619.

11. Intraoperative Neuromonitoring in Patients with Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Case Series. Koen Rijs, et al. World Neurosurg. (2019) 125:498-510.

12. Diagnostic Utility of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring for Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Tej D. Azad, et al. Clin Spine Surg 2018;31:112–119).

13. Neuromonitoring for Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor Surgery. Terence Verla, et al. World Neurosurg. (2016) 95:108-116.

Spinal Training Interface Group (STIG) - Host Centres Application

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 12:49:20 GMT

The organising committee of the Spinal TIG, invites centres not already registered to apply for the opportunity to host a spinal TIG fellow. This programme is an exciting curriculum-based training fellowship, combining neurosurgical and orthopaedic spinal surgical training for pre CCT fellows. Fellows are appointed by a competitive application and interview process centrally and once selected choose which centre to go to from the list of suitable centres. At the moment we have 10 centres in the programme: Leeds, Salford/Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Sheffield, Birmingham, Oxford, Cardiff, Preston, Stoke on Trent.

This year we have three STIG fellows – Alex Goubran, Alexander Durst and Sheweidin Aziz undertaking fellowships in Cardiff, Sheffield and Birmingham.

For 2021-22, we have funding in England for up-to three fellows, commencing in the summer of 2021 running for a one- year period. Under GMC regulations, the fellowships are pre CCT at this time, but will change to post CCT in due course. All fellowships are administered by the Severn Deanery and under the auspices of the JCST. We do not have funding at this time for centres outside England, and any centres applying from the rest of the UK and Ireland will be required to provide their own funding for fellows.

Applications require the completion of a Hospital Application Form (HAF) which sets out to establish the joint approach of training in the centre and the support of the local post graduate dean for the fellowship.

For application forms, or any queries, please contact Mr Niall Eames (Chair of the Spinal TIG Committee) via interface@jcst.org

Thank you for supporting this exciting combined training between neurosurgery and orthopaedic surgery in the exacting discipline of spinal surgery.

The Spinal TIG Committee - October 2021

JCST - Training Interface Group Advanced Training fellowship in Spinal Surgery

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 11:16:40 GMT

Preliminary announcement

From - The Spinal Training Interface Group (STIG) Committee

We are delighted to announce that at least two STIG fellowships will soon be advertised to commence in summer 2021. These will be for PRE CCT trainees from both neurosurgery and orthopaedic surgery. Please note that the programme is changing to a post CCT fellowship in due course, but this round of appointments will be for PRE CCT trainees in 2021.

The STIG fellowship is designed to allow combined curriculum-based training between neurosurgery and orthopaedic surgery in the discipline of spinal surgery. Trainees will be appointed by competitive interview and will then select where they wish to undertake their fellowship from the list of suitable centres, all of which are leading spinal centres in the UK and Ireland, based around the spinal curriculum. The specialised training centres are listed on the JCST web site. These training placements provide joint training between Neurosurgery and Orthopaedic spinal surgery in established spinal centres. The fellowships will be undertaken as a period of Out of Programme Experience OOP(E).

This is the second year of these spinal TIG fellowships. Currently three STIGs are in post. We are delighted to be able to build on the success of this program and we will be advertising in the near future with interviews anticipated early in 2021 and posts commencing in summer 2021.

Further information is available in the JCST website or email myself at NiallEames@belfasttrust.hscni.net

Niall Eames

Chair Spinal TIG Committee

JCST

BOA 2020 Congress - Spine Revalidation Videos

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 13:57:52 GMT

The �°Ĳʿ�� (�°Ĳʿ��) and the British Scoliosis Society (BSS) recorded six webinars for the British Orthopaedic Association 2020 Virtual Congress revalidation sessions.

To view each of the videos, click the links below:

Obituary - Mr. Kyle Martin McDonald FRCS

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 13:03:11 GMT

Mr. Kyle Martin McDonald FRCS

Consultant Spinal Surgeon, Belfast

Died Suddenly 26^th July 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of our esteemed colleague and friend Kyle McDonald.

Kyle was an exceptional Spinal surgeon who will be missed by patients and colleagues alike.

He was a loving husband to Poppy and devoted father of Darcey and Rory.

Kyle graduated from Queen’s University medical school and completed his orthopaedic training in Northern Ireland whilst gaining the Sir Walter Mercer Medal for the highest marks in the exit exam. Upon completion of his training he embarked upon a fellowship in Scoliosis surgery in Dublin before returning as a Consultant in 2017.

This level of achievement summed up Kyle perfectly. He was a supremely gifted and talented surgeon who made the hard things look easy.

Patients and staff due to his carefree nature and quick wit loved Kyle. His sense of humour was unrivalled. He was a kind person who devoted his time to caring for his Scoliosis patients. Nothing was too much trouble for him.

Above all Kyle cherished his beautiful family. He valued the time he spent with his fantastic wife and darling children.

At this time we offer our deepest sympathies and love to Poppy, Darcey, Rory and the wider McDonald family.

Our team will never forget what Kyle brought to us. We are weaker as a result.

The UK spinal community has lost a young and talented surgeon, who had given so much and who could have given so much more.

Sadly Kyle was taken from us too soon but his legacy will be with us forever. Rest in peace.

Obituary by Sam Sloan - Consultant Spinal Surgeon, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

"So you want to be a Spinal Surgeon?" Webinar recording now available

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 10:20:12 GMT

Following the webinar broadcast on 30th June 2020, we have now made the recording available - to view the webinar, click here

Educational Webinar: 30 June - So you want to be a Spinal Surgeon?

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 14:51:30 GMT

The �°Ĳʿ�� (�°Ĳʿ��) are proud to present the first of many trainee-focused events with a session focused towards a career in spinal surgery.

Topic: So you want to be a Spinal Surgeon?

When: Tuesday 30th June 2020 - 8pm

Where: Zoom Online Webinar

Registration: Free of charge

To register, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FxlGoCoVQHeWHYqE9z-WlA

This session will cover:

- Current training pathways in the UK, with an update on the Advanced 'In-Training' Fellowship in Spinal Surgery (a.k.a. STiG = Spinal Training Interface Group)

- What makes a good fellowship?

- Examples of post-CCT fellowship training in the UK and abroad with a discussion about what each route offers.

- There will also be ample opportunity to ask the panel questions via the Q&A tab.

The panel includes:

Host: Zacharia Silk (�°Ĳʿ�� Trainee Rep)

Speakers:

- Niall Eames (Consultant, Belfast)

- Hui-Ling Kerr (Consultant,

- Fahid Rasul (Fellow, Royal London Hospital)

- Zacharia Silk (Fellow, Great Ormond Street Hospital)

Moderators: Sashin Ahuja (�°Ĳʿ�� President) / Rajat Verma (BSS Education)

The event is free to attend and open to non-members too. Please share with your colleagues and trainees.

For those unable to attend, or wish to review the content again at a later stage, the webinar will be recorded and posted onto the �°Ĳʿ�� website, within the members section.

Details of how to become a �°Ĳʿ�� member can be found here: /Member-Benefits

FAQs:

1. Is there a limit to the number of registrants?

There is no limit on registration, however our webinar platform the limit of attendees at any one time is 500, so when this reaches capacity during the webinar, no other users can enter. It is highly unlikely that we will hit this limit, but we do need to make attendees aware.

2. Will the event/webinar be recorded?

Yes - we plan to make the recording available to �°Ĳʿ�� members after the event. Previous Webinar recordings can be found on the members-only section of the �°Ĳʿ�� website.

3. Will the session interactive?

Yes - you are welcome to ask questions to the panel via the ‘Q&A’ function at the bottom of your screen. The panelists will do their best to answer your questions live, or write back to you.

4. Will I get a certificate?

Yes - following a completed feedback form which will be provided to attendees at the end of the event. Certificates will be sent the following week.

5. Can non-members attend?

Yes - this event is *freely available to surgeons (junior and senior), so please share amongst your colleagues and trainees.

* �°Ĳʿ�� reserve the right to email/contact non-members to suggest becoming �°Ĳʿ�� members in the future. Future webinars may be limited to members only.

�°Ĳʿ�� Educational Webinar: 23 June - Paediatric Spondylolisthesis and Kyphosis

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:29:40 GMT

This is the ninth webinar in our series of online educational events focused on delivering high quality spinal education to you at home.

Building on recent paediatric deformity sessions, this session will focus on the assessment and treatment Scheuermann's Kyphosis and Paediatric Spondylolisthesis.

Whilst aimed at post-CCT fellows, consultants, registrars and doctors from other grades are welcome to join. The event is free to attend and open to non-members too. Please share with your colleagues and trainees.

Topic: Paediatric Spondylolisthesis and Kyphosis
When: Tuesday 23rd June 2020 - 8pm
Where: Zoom Online Webinar
Registration: Free of charge

Host: Mr Zacharia Silk (�°Ĳʿ�� Trainee Rep)

Speakers:
- Mr Jonathan Lucas (London)
- Mr Ashley Cole (Sheffield)
- Mr Sashin Ahuja (Cardiff)

Moderators: Mr Rajat Verma (BSS Education), Mr Rohit Shetty (�°Ĳʿ�� Education)

To register, visit:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Pg_nSLZOR-e0xi-Y_Ny4-Q

For those unable to attend, or wish to review the content again at a later stage, the webinar will be recorded and posted onto the �°Ĳʿ�� website, within the members section.

FAQs:

1. Is there a limit to the number of registrants?
There is no limit on registration, however our webinar platform the limit of attendees at any one time is 500. It is highly unlikely that we will hit this limit, but we do need to make attendees aware.

2. Will the event/webinar be recorded?
Yes - we plan to make the recording available to �°Ĳʿ�� members after the event. Previous Webinar recordings can be found on the members-only section of the �°Ĳʿ�� website.

3. Will the session interactive?
Yes - you are welcome to ask questions to the panel via the ‘Q&A’ function at the bottom of your screen. The panelists will do their best to answer your questions live, or write back to you.

4. Will I get a certificate?
Yes - following a completed feedback form which will be provided to attendees at the end of the event. Certificates will be sent the following week.

5. Can non-members attend?
Yes - this event is *freely available to surgeons (junior and senior), so please share amongst your colleagues and trainees.

* �°Ĳʿ�� reserve the right to email/contact non-members to suggest becoming �°Ĳʿ�� members in the future. Future webinars may be limited to members only.

�°Ĳʿ�� Educational Webinar: 16 June - Early Onset & Non Idiopathic Scoliosis

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 11:00:00 GMT

This is the eighth webinar in our series of online educational events focused on delivering high quality spinal education to you at home.

This session will focus on the assessment and treatment of Early Onset and Non-Idiopathic Scoliosis, which has been organised in collaboration with the British Scoliosis Society (BSS). We will be joined by an exceptional panel of speakers from the UK.

Topic: Early Onset & Non Idiopathic Scoliosis
When: Tuesday 16th June 2020 - 8pm
Where: Zoom Online Webinar
Registration: Free of charge.

To register, visit:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3gpelwOpQvqSmIcUyzFjug

Co-Hosts: Mr Rajat Verma (BSS Education Lead) & Mr Zacharia Silk (�°Ĳʿ�� Trainee Rep)

Speakers:
- Mr Nigel Gummerson (Leeds)
- Mr Alex Gibson (Stanmore)
- Mr Thanos Tsirikos (Edinburgh)

Moderator: Mr Peter Millner (BSS Present) & Mr Sashin Ahuja (�°Ĳʿ�� President)

Whilst aimed at post-CCT fellows, consultants, registrars and doctors from other grades are welcome to join. A certificate of attendance will be provided on receipt of a completed feedback form.

The event is free to attend and open to non-members too. Please share with your colleagues and trainees.

For those unable to attend, or wish to review the content again at a later stage, the webinar will be recorded and posted onto the �°Ĳʿ�� website, within the members section.

FAQs:

4. Will I get a certificate?
Yes - following a completed feedback form which will be provided to attendees at the end of the event. Certificates will be sent the following week.

5. Can non-members attend?
Yes - this event is *freely available to surgeons (junior and senior), so please share amongst your colleagues and trainees.

* �°Ĳʿ�� reserve the right to email/contact non-members to suggest becoming �°Ĳʿ�� members in the future. Future webinars may be limited to members only.

�°Ĳʿ�� Webinar for Industry - 15 June: Principles of Deformity Correction

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 11:19:24 GMT

In this fourth webinar of a planned series, the faculty will discuss Principles of Deformity Correction.

This would be covered with short presentations, case discussions, analysis of the literature and live interaction with the attendees via polling and Q&As. It is envisaged this webinar will last for around 1.5 hrs.

Topic: Principles of Deformity Correction
When: Monday 15th June 2020 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Where: Zoom Online Webinar
Registration Fee: £25.00

To register, visit:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z1uNy4sjTYmghwDTQWlFCg

Please email webinars@spinesurgeons.ac.uk

if you have any other suggested topics you wish for �°Ĳʿ�� to run a webinar on.

Hosts and Moderators:
Rajat Verma (BSS Education), Rohit Shetty (�°Ĳʿ�� Education) and Sashin Ahuja (�°Ĳʿ�� President)

Speakers:
Am Rai (Norwich)
Neil Davidson (Oswestry)
Zacharia Silk (GOSH)

�°Ĳʿ�� Educational Webinar: 9 June - Assessment & Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 16:00:00 GMT

This is the seventh webinar in our series of online educational events focused on delivering high quality spinal education to you at home!

The programme now shifts to the assessment and management of paediatric spinal deformity and has been put together in conjunction with our colleagues in the British Scoliosis Society (BSS).

This session will focus on Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and we will be joined by an exceptional panel of speakers from the UK.

Topic: Assessment & Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)
When: Tuesday 9th June 2020 - 8pm
Where: Zoom Online Webinar
Registration: Free of charge.

To register, visit:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RkcS5esORtmuvSt45PoQ2A

Co-Hosts: Mr Rajat Verma (BSS Education Lead) & Mr Zacharia Silk (�°Ĳʿ�� Trainee Rep)

Speakers:
- Mr Mike Grevitt (Nottingham)
- Mr Vinay Jasani (Stoke on Trent)
- Mr Jason Bernard (St George's, London)

Moderator: Mr Sashin Ahuja (�°Ĳʿ�� President)

Whilst aimed at post-CCT fellows, consultants, registrars and doctors from other grades are welcome to join. A certificate of attendance will be provided on receipt of a completed feedback form.

The event is free to attend and open to non-members too. Please share with your colleagues and trainees.

For those unable to attend, or wish to review the content again at a later stage, the webinar will be recorded and posted onto the �°Ĳʿ�� website, within the members section (you will need to be a �°Ĳʿ�� Member - more details here)

We very much hope you can join us for this session. If you have any suggestions about future topics you’d like us to cover, please email: webinars@spinesurgeons.ac.uk.

�°Ĳʿ�� Webinar for Industry - 8 June - Segmental Spinal Reconstruction for Tumour & Trauma: Surgical approaches

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 11:31:23 GMT

In this third webinar of a planned series, the faculty will discuss Segmental Spinal Reconstruction for Tumour & Trauma: Surgical approaches.

This would be covered with short presentations, case discussions, analysis of the literature and live interaction with the attendees via polling and Q&As. It is envisaged this webinar will last for around 1.5 hrs.

Topic: Segmental Spinal Reconstruction for Tumour & Trauma: Surgical approaches
When: Monday 8th June 2020 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Where: Zoom Online Webinar
Registration Fee: £25.00

This webinar is aimed for those working in MedTech industry, but we also welcome clinicians, researchers and others interested in spinal surgery if they wish to attend.

To register, visit:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rMvze5MJQ62FTbfkBrzLaQ

Please email webinars@spinesurgeons.ac.uk if you have any other suggested topics you wish for �°Ĳʿ�� to run a webinar on.

Hosts and Moderators:
Rohit Shetty (�°Ĳʿ�� Education) and Sashin Ahuja (�°Ĳʿ�� President)

Speakers:
Neil Chiverton (Sheffield)
More Speakers TBC

�°Ĳʿ�� Webinar for Industry - LIFs

Thu, 28 May 2020 11:58:20 GMT

In this second webinar of a planned series, the faculty will discuss the rationale behind the various approach used to treat lumbar pathology. It will also cover biomechanics of various cages used for treating such conditions.

This would be covered with short presentations, case discussions, analysis of the literature and live interaction with the attendees via polling and Q&As. It is envisaged this webinar will last for around 1.5 hrs.

Topic: LIFs
When: Monday 1st June 2020 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Where: Zoom Online Webinar
Registration Fee: £25.00

To register, visit:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Bilnrc3FRCGKsVyjmpJ_cA

�°Ĳʿ�� will be looking to run future webinars on various topics in the coming weeks, such as:
• Rationale of Anterior or Posterior Approach for Spinal Instability
• Principles of Deformity Correction

Please email webinars@spinesurgeons.ac.uk if you have any other suggested topics you wish for �°Ĳʿ�� to run a webinar on.

Moderator:
Sashin Ahuja (President �°Ĳʿ��)

Hosts and Moderators:
Rohit Shetty (�°Ĳʿ�� Education) and Sashin Ahuja (�°Ĳʿ�� President)

Speakers:
John Leach (Manchester)
Alwyn Jones (Cardiff)
John Afolayan

�°Ĳʿ��/BSS Webinar - Reintroduction of Elective Surgery during COVID-19

Fri, 22 May 2020 08:58:06 GMT

Recent �°Ĳʿ��/BSS webinar about the reintroduction of elective spinal surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. (broadcast on 7 May 2020)

To view the video, please click here

�°Ĳʿ�� Webinar for Industry - Rationale of ACDF vs Cervical Arthroplasty

Fri, 15 May 2020 15:42:10 GMT

In this first webinar of this planned series, the faculty will discuss the indications for fusion versus disc arthoplasty in cervical spine and the decision making behind each option. This would be covered with short presentations, case discussions, analysis of the literature and live interaction with the attendees via polling and Q&As to help cover the rationale for the 2 surgical options.
It is envisaged this webinar will last for around 1.5 hrs.

This webinar is aimed for those working in HealthTech Industries.

Topic: Rationale of ACDF vs Cervical Arthroplasty
When: Tuesday 26th May 2020 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Where: Zoom Online Webinar
Registration Fee: £25.00

To register, visit:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e9Yoj1htRsuRYJRiAecI1g

�°Ĳʿ�� will be looking to run future webinars on various topics in the coming weeks, such as:

Rational for Use of Lumbar Interbody Cages-ALIF/TLIF/LLIF/OLIF/PLIF
Rationale of Anterior or Posterior Approach for Spinal Instability
Principles of Deformity Correction

Please email info@spinesurgeons.ac.uk if you have any other suggested topics you wish for �°Ĳʿ�� to run a webinar on.

Moderator:
Sashin Ahuja (President �°Ĳʿ��)

Co-ordinator/Co Host:
Rohit Shetty (Education Chair �°Ĳʿ��), Henry Dodds (Exec Asst. UKSSB)

Speakers:
TBC (details of speakers will be updated on the registration page when confirmed)

Column & Cord – Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 12:00:00 GMT

The Journal of the �°Ĳʿ�� - Sponsorship Opportunities Available for the First Edition

The �°Ĳʿ�� are producing a Journal in collaboration with BIBA Publishing. This will be an online and annually-printed publication based on the content of UK Spine Society meetings occurring during the preceding 12 months.

We are publishing the first edition of this Journal at BritSpine 2020 in Glasgow (1-3 April 2020) both in print and online, and would like to offer our industry partners and sponsors the opportunity to support this publication.
UPDATE: Due to COVID-19, BritSpine has been postponed to 2021. For more information, visit www.BritSpine.com

Opportunities for advertising of products and services will be for both print and online versions of the publication. Please see the attached Media Pack from BIBA Publishing for rates and specifications.

Please note – Advertising Space is limited and we will be allocating this on a first-come basis

We will make every attempt to ensure in the printed version, any sponsored promotional material is placed next to relevant academic material. For example, categories of the Podium presentations covered in the latest �°Ĳʿ�� meeting to be published were: Lumbar Degenerative Disease, Deformity & Infection, Trauma & Tumour, Innovation, Spinal Injuries and Governance & Commissioning.We welcome all who are interested in the opportunity of placing promotional material in this inaugural publication of this Journal.

Please see the information pack attached and e-mail Jade Keegan at jade@bibamedical.com for further information and to book your advertising space.

Yours sincerely,

Tim Germon – Column & Cord Editor

Sashin Ahuja – �°Ĳʿ�� President

�°Ĳʿ��/BSS Presidents' Travelling Fellowship 2020

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 16:18:55 GMT

Dear �°Ĳʿ�� and BSS Members,

The British Association of Spinal Surgeons (�°Ĳʿ��) and the British Scoliosis Society (BSS) offer senior residents, spinal fellows and consultants within two years of appointment a chance to have extensive exposure to complex spinal procedures at established spinal units over 2 weeks.The Fellowship programme includes mandatory attendance at the following �°Ĳʿ��/BSS meetings. The programme rotates between established orthopaedic and neurosurgical spinal centres allowing significant contact between fellows and leaders in the field.

The Fellowship will take place between 9th and 20th March 2020. The Fellowship will rotate around centres in the UK (Centres proposed include London, Ipswich, Cambridge, Leeds and Cardiff, subject to change). Successful fellows will then attend BritSpine 2020 in Glasgow to present as a group on their Fellowship.

Further details can be obtained from Mr Rohit Shetty, �°Ĳʿ�� Executive member for Education - education@spinesurgeons.ac.uk

Application Process:
To apply, please submit the following documents:

your Curriculum Vitae (CV),
a personal statement describing your career pathway, interests and future plans.
A letter of recommendation from your supervising consultant/clinical lead.

Your application should be sent to UKSSB@boa.ac.uk by Sunday 15th December 2019. (only Word or PDF file formats accepted)

Applications will be reviewed by a panel from the �°Ĳʿ�� and BSS Executives. All candidates will be informed of the decisions in December 2019.

Eligibility Criteria:
Personal Specification HERE

Applicants should be members of either �°Ĳʿ��, BSS, BOA, SBNS or local spine society.
Applicants should be post-FRCS exam senior residents, clinical spinal fellows or junior consultants in the first 2 years of their appointment.
Previously unsuccessful applicants can re-apply.
Fellowships cannot be awarded retrospectively.

Details of The 2020 Fellowship:

�°Ĳʿ��/BSS will reimburse travelling expenses up to £2,000. Claims must be submitted within 6 months of the Fellowship. Detailed financial arrangements will be provided to successful candidates.
International fellows will be required to pay for their flights to the UK.
By accepting the Fellowship, all awardees agree not to partake in any activities that will bring �°Ĳʿ��/BSS and/or sponsors into disrepute. �°Ĳʿ��/BSS accept no liability for the actions of the candidates whilst on the Fellowship or for activities related to it.
Each Fellow is required to submit a report of approximately 500 words within 6 weeks of completion of the Fellowship. This may be published on the �°Ĳʿ�� and/or BSS websites and official communications.
Fellows will attend BritSpine 2020 and present a group presentation (Friday 3^rd April, subject to change)

Standards Expected of an Expert Spinal Surgeon Witness in Cases of Clinical Negligence

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 12:00:00 GMT

Link to Document: Clinical negligence_expert criteria_�°Ĳʿ��_SBNS_final.pdf

Spinal Interface Training Group (STIG) Pilot

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 12:00:00 GMT

We are delighted to announce the launch of two fully funded pilot Training Interface Group (TIG) fellowships in Spinal surgery.

The fellowships will be pilot fellowships

Applicants will be pre CCT trainees and will require to apply for Out of programme training recognition for the period of the fellowship (OOPT).

All fellowships will be regulated by the JCST and will be administered by the Severn deanery under the auspices of the Interface Training Oversite Group (ITOG).

Fellowships to commence February 2020 or June 2020

For more details, please view the full STIG Announcement and the Hospital Application Form

Knowledge Update in the Management of Spondylodiscitis

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 12:00:00 GMT

�°Ĳʿ�� have released a management update for pyogenic spondylodiscitis.

We intend this to be of use to doctors in disciplines such as general practice, emergency medicine and general medicine as well as our membership and therefore we encourage the dissemination of this document.

Link to Document HERE – Knowledge Update in the Management of Spondylodiscitis

NICE MTG41 – Senza spinal cord stimulation system for delivering HF10 therapy to treat chronic neuropathic pain

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 12:00:00 GMT

NICE have released guidance and recommendations on a new spinal cord stimulation technology (MTG41)

We include a link to the specific guidance for the interest of the public and our members. �°Ĳʿ�� fully supports a previous NICE recommendation (TA159) that any spinal cord stimulation should be provided only after an assessment by a multidisciplinary team experienced in chronic pain assessment and management of people with spinal cord stimulation devices, including experience in the provision of ongoing monitoring and support of the person assessed.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/MTG41

GIRFT Report – Spinal Surgery

Wed, 30 Jan 2019 12:00:00 GMT

The GIRFT report for Spinal Surgery has been published today (30 January 2019)

To download the full report, please visit the GIRFT Website: https://gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/surgical-specialty/spinal-surgery/

Standards of Care for Investigation and Management of Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES)

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 12:00:00 GMT

�°Ĳʿ�� and The Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS) has developed a guideline to be used for the management of patients with suspected or confirmed Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Link to Document HERE

�°Ĳʿ��/BSS Presidents’ Travelling Fellowship 2019

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 12:00:00 GMT

Applications are invited for the 2019 Travelling Fellowship - closes 2nd December

The Fellowship programme includes mandatory attendance at the following �°Ĳʿ��/BSS meetings. The programme rotates between established orthopaedic and neurosurgical spinal centres allowing significant contact between fellows and leaders in the field.

The Fellowship will take place between 4th and 15th March 2019. The fellowship will rotate around centres in the North West and Midlands. The candidates will then visit Cardiff at the end of the fellowship.

Further details can be obtained from Mr Rohit Shetty, �°Ĳʿ�� Executive member for Education – education@spinesurgeons.ac.uk

Application Process:

1. To apply, please submit your CV, along with a personal statement describing your career pathway, interests and future plans.

2. Please submit a letter of recommendation from your supervising consultant/clinical lead.

3. Your application should be sent to Henry Dodds at UKSSB@boa.ac.uk by Sunday 2nd December 2018. (only Word or PDF file formats accepted)

Selected candidates will be informed in early December 2018.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Applicants should be members of either �°Ĳʿ��, BSS, BOA, SBNS or local spine society.

2. Applicants should be post-FRCS exam senior residents, clinical spinal fellows or junior consultants in the first 2 years of their appointment.

3. Previously unsuccessful applicants can re-apply.

4. Fellowships cannot be awarded retrospectively.

The Fellowship:

1. �°Ĳʿ��/BSS will reimburse travelling expenses up to £2,000. Claims must be submitted within 6 months of the Fellowship. Detailed financial arrangements will be provided to successful candidates.

2. International fellows will be required to pay for their flights to the UK.

3. By accepting the Fellowship, all awardees agree not to partake in any activities that will bring

�°Ĳʿ��/BSS and/or sponsors into disrepute. �°Ĳʿ��/BSS accept no liability for the actions of the candidates whilst on the Fellowship or for activities related to it.

4. Each Fellow is required to submit a report of approximately 500 words within 6 weeks of completion of the Fellowship. This may be published on the �°Ĳʿ�� and/or BSS websites and official communications.

�°Ĳʿ�� 2019 Abstract Submissions

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 12:00:00 GMT

�°Ĳʿ�� 2019 – Brighton, 2-5 April

Abstract submissions is now open

Deadline for submissions – ~~Monday 19th November 2018 at 23:59~~ EXTENDED to Monday 3rd December 2018 at 23:59

https://flame.firebird.systems/archer-yates/�°Ĳʿ��2019/mysubmissions

Submit your abstract now HERE

We look forward to welcoming you in Brighton for the �°Ĳʿ�� meeting, to be held at the Brighton Centre from 3-5th April 2019.

This year’s conference promises to be the largest held to date, with more submissions, keynotes, sessions, exhibitors and delegates than ever before. We have chosen excellent facilities to host our conference and we are sure you will enjoy your time meeting old friends and making new ones.

We are also fortunate to welcome a number of eminent International Speakers for talks in keeping with our theme for this year – Emerging Technologies in Spine.

We look forward to welcoming you to Brighton.

Submit your abstracts here for consideration to the meeting. The deadline for submissions is Monday 3rd December 2018 at 23:59

Faithfully, The �°Ĳʿ�� 2019 Organising Committee

For all submission queries, please email info@spinesurgeons.ac.uk

A message from the �°Ĳʿ�� President - Stuart Blagg

Tue, 08 May 2018 12:00:00 GMT

I am very proud to have taken over as President of �°Ĳʿ�� from Am Rai. It was an honour to be asked to do this and one that I shall endeavour to do to the best of my ability. Am has done a great job as President which is demonstrated by the success of the Manchester meeting. He is handing on a society that has flourished over the past 2 years under his leadership. I am very grateful for all his hard work for �°Ĳʿ�� especially over the last 2 years. On behalf of all of us I am very grateful for all he has put in and thank him in advance for all the ongoing work that I am going to try to persuade him to do in the future

I take on this job with my eyes open. I am very aware of the financial pressures on the NHS. We have a lack of beds, difficulties with staffing and constant change. During out conference we have had talks from Tim Briggs on GIRFT and the need for demonstrable outcomes. Jeremy Marlow has told us about NHS improvement. Tim Piggott and James Wilson-Macdonald have educated us on litigation and indemnity. It is not easy being a spinal surgeon at the moment.

Our aims for �°Ĳʿ�� are to try and help and support spinal surgeons and to improve patient care. If we rest on our laurels we will be overtaken, we have to constantly strive to improve. We aim to try to make �°Ĳʿ�� an environment to encourage and facilitate this.

We aim to do this through initiatives such as our consent guidance, help with training and teaching and meetings such as this. We represent your opinions to the Clinical reference group and to other societies. Our challenge is to keep the financial backing for spine surgery that we currently have, whilst gaining the resources to evolve and progress surgical care for spinal conditions. At the same time we must demonstrate that we are currently performing interventions that do improve patients quality of life both short term and for the long term.

To do this we all need outcome data. This was why the British Spinal Registry was set up. It was set up by �°Ĳʿ��, with a great deal of work by Ashley Cole and Lee Breakwell. During our meeting we listened to the excellent debate about registries and what has become obvious is that we need data to allow us to justify and improve our practice. The BSR is critical in this, but one of our challenges is to ensure that we administer and interpret the data, making it available to other groups in a controlled way when it is appropriate and accurate. We are mindful that data is collected from both Orthopaedic and Neurosurgeons, and that other databases are available. Our aims are to build a team around the BSR to ensure that as it grows, it has the infrastructure to use the data to improve spinal outcomes. It is critical to this that �°Ĳʿ�� continues to ensure that spinal raw data is administered by spinal surgeons.

We do not work in a vacuum, but rather with many other allied professionals. The care of spinal pathologies involves us only as a last resort. Some of these are medical and many are not. Whilst we often feel that we should lead the team, we could not provide spinal care without a lot of help. Many have presented talks and research both at the main meeting in Manchester and at the break out day. We are going to encourage associate membership of �°Ĳʿ�� by any and all allied professional in spinal care and aim to have other clinical groups running sessions along side our main meeting to improve spinal care.

The UKSSB was set up to facilitate communication and collaboration between the Surgical societies. It has done this well. More recently there are suggestions that this could be expanded to include more non-surgical members. This may be to our advantage, to allow further collaboration between more of the stakeholders in spinal care. I am sure that the more of us that work together the better for the UK. I am anxious however that if this is the direction that the UKSSB takes, we would need to ensure that the surgical decisions for the country would remain under the direction of surgical societies. This is particularly important for training and equipping the surgeons of the future.

At the inception of �°Ĳʿ�� we were a predominantly Orthopaedic society. I am very pleased to say that our membership now includes large numbers of spinal neurosurgeons and is all the better for it. As a consequence we have been in discussion with Paul May and the SBNS. We now have a framework for collaboration and communication between the �°Ĳʿ�� and SBNS executive.

We also work closely with the BOA, and Lee Breakwell was recently elected onto the BOA council. We have asked him to work with us to act as a conduit between the BOA and �°Ĳʿ��. Our intention is to act for and with both these bodies for the advancement of Spinal Surgery in the UK. Niall Eames and Tom Cadoux-Hudson epitomise this in their work setting up the Spinal Training Interface Group. This is likely to set the future direction of spinal training. This had been done with much collaboration between all the Surgical societies and nurtured for many years by Alastair Sterling. �°Ĳʿ�� will do all it can to continue this process.

We need to know what I, and the rest of the Executive, can do for you. We need both guidance on where you would like us to go and your help to get there. We all know colleagues who are great at offering advice, but hard to find when we look for help to carry it out. We need those like John Powell and David Sharp, who get on and do what they talk about and in doing so benefit the whole Spinal community. Each of our Executive members leads a committee to deliver its goals. We would welcome anyone who would like to get involved and help us deliver on what you want us to do. I can assure you that it can be both interesting and rewarding.

We represent the leadership for the country in spinal care. It is important that we look for the positives. Pity and reminiscences for the past will not help our patients. We have still got a healthcare system that others envy. We have resources that are not perfect but still very good compared with much of the world. If we wallow in self-pity, someone else will take control but we have an opportunity to influence spinal care and need to take it.

The �°Ĳʿ�� meeting in Manchester was a great opportunity to come together and see the best of our profession. We need to use this a catalyst for continued progress. In taking up this role I am following in the footsteps of Surgeons that I both admired and aspired to emulate. I hope that I can work both for and with you all and represent your views, interests and needs. My overall aim is to improve spinal surgery in the UK. I hope that together we can achieve great things.

Stuart Blagg

�°Ĳʿ�� President

�°Ĳʿ��2017 Manchester – Podium and Poster Prize Winners

Mon, 01 May 2017 12:00:00 GMT

Abstract Detail and Publication can be found via The Spine Journal (TSJ) website: https://www.thespinejournalonline.com/issue/S1529-9430(17)X0002-8

Best Podium Presentation

Sleiman Haddad – “ Impact on Surgical Site Infection on Surgical outcomes in Adult Spinal Deformity: A Matched Control Study ”

Runner Up Podium Presentation

Ali Rajabian – “Is Dysphagia after ACDF due to recurrent Laryngeal Nerve (RLN) Neuropraxia?”

Best Mini Podium Presentation

Francis Brooks – “A new technique in the management of Radicular pain in the setting of foraminal stenoisis”

Best Poster Presentation

Donald Buchanan – “Mortality following odontoid fractures”

�°Ĳʿ��� News

National rollout of NCIP portal to all consultant spinal surgeons in England

�°Ĳʿ���/BSS/ORUK Spine Research Fellowship 2024

Spine Societies are supporting Movember!

The British Scoliosis Society (BSS), �°Ĳʿ��� (�°Ĳʿ���) and the UKSSB are supporting 'Movember'!

Submit pictures of you and your "Mo"!

Mo Sisters!

The National suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome just got interactive!

�°Ĳʿ���: Women in Spine Event - 1-2 Dec 2023, Cotswold Lodge Hotel, Oxford

�°Ĳʿ���2024: Bournemouth - Abstract Submission Portal IS NOW OPEN!

�°Ĳʿ��� and BSS funded places on the BOA Future Leaders Programme

Come to our Trainee Sessions at BritSpine 2023 in Glasgow!

Pathway supports clinicians to diagnose and treat Cauda Equina Syndrome without delay

�°Ĳʿ���/BSS Presidents' Travelling Fellowship 2023 - applications welcome

CSF Leak Incidence and Plan - CLIP Study

ORUK/�°Ĳʿ���/BSS Spine Research Fellowship 2023

Future Leaders Programme with BOA - �°Ĳʿ���-sponsored place

Women in Spine Education Meeting (WISE) - Celebrating Women In Spine Surgery

�°Ĳʿ��� Webinar - 10 Aug @ 7pm - How to avoid and how to tackle allegations of professional misconduct

SBNS 2022 Conference - Blackpool

SBNS 2022 Conference - Blackpool

27-30 September 2022Combined �°Ĳʿ��� sessions

Abstracts submissions welcome

Sponsorship and Advertising for the March 2022 edition of the Column & Cord Journal

MoVe Com Study - the �°Ĳʿ��� trainee collaborative

�°Ĳʿ��� 2022 Registration is now open!

�°Ĳʿ���2022 Abstract Submission Portal is NOW OPEN

�°Ĳʿ��� Boot Camp 2021 - 10-11 Sept 2021

�°Ĳʿ��� Debate Series "To Move or to Fuse" Free Webinar - Tuesday 13th July 2021

�°Ĳʿ��� Trainee Sub-Committee: Applications welcome

Video: "Diversity in Spine - An evening with David Sellu: Did he save lives?"

Diversity in Spine - An evening with David Sellu: Did he save lives?

�°Ĳʿ��� and BSS sponsored places for the 2022 BOA Future Leaders Programme (FLP)

Survey Distribution to �°Ĳʿ��� Society Members

Diversity in Spine - An evening with David Sellu: Did he save lives?

Statement from the British Scoliosis Society (BSS) and the �°Ĳʿ��� (�°Ĳʿ���) regarding wait times for adult and paediatric elective spine patients

“Fine Wine, Dine and Spine” Webinar Experience - 17th March 2021 @ 8pm

Clinical Management Update - Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)

Spinal Training Interface Group (STIG) - Host Centres Application

JCST - Training Interface Group Advanced Training fellowship in Spinal Surgery

Preliminary announcement

BOA 2020 Congress - Spine Revalidation Videos

Obituary - Mr. Kyle Martin McDonald FRCS

"So you want to be a Spinal Surgeon?" Webinar recording now available

Educational Webinar: 30 June - So you want to be a Spinal Surgeon?

�°Ĳʿ��� Educational Webinar: 23 June - Paediatric Spondylolisthesis and Kyphosis

�°Ĳʿ��� Educational Webinar: 16 June - Early Onset & Non Idiopathic Scoliosis

�°Ĳʿ��� Webinar for Industry - 15 June: Principles of Deformity Correction

�°Ĳʿ��� Educational Webinar: 9 June - Assessment & Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)

�°Ĳʿ��� Webinar for Industry - 8 June - Segmental Spinal Reconstruction for Tumour & Trauma: Surgical approaches

�°Ĳʿ��� Webinar for Industry - LIFs

�°Ĳʿ���/BSS Webinar - Reintroduction of Elective Surgery during COVID-19

�°Ĳʿ��� Webinar for Industry - Rationale of ACDF vs Cervical Arthroplasty

Column & Cord – Sponsorship Opportunities Available

�°Ĳʿ���/BSS Presidents' Travelling Fellowship 2020

Standards Expected of an Expert Spinal Surgeon Witness in Cases of Clinical Negligence

Spinal Interface Training Group (STIG) Pilot

Knowledge Update in the Management of Spondylodiscitis

NICE MTG41 – Senza spinal cord stimulation system for delivering HF10 therapy to treat chronic neuropathic pain

GIRFT Report – Spinal Surgery

Standards of Care for Investigation and Management of Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES)

�°Ĳʿ���/BSS Presidents’ Travelling Fellowship 2019

�°Ĳʿ��� 2019 Abstract Submissions

A message from the �°Ĳʿ��� President - Stuart Blagg

�°Ĳʿ���2017 Manchester – Podium and Poster Prize Winners

�°Ĳʿ�� News

�°Ĳʿ��/BSS/ORUK Spine Research Fellowship 2024

The British Scoliosis Society (BSS), �°Ĳʿ�� (�°Ĳʿ��) and the UKSSB are supporting 'Movember'!

�°Ĳʿ��: Women in Spine Event - 1-2 Dec 2023, Cotswold Lodge Hotel, Oxford

�°Ĳʿ��2024: Bournemouth - Abstract Submission Portal IS NOW OPEN!

�°Ĳʿ�� and BSS funded places on the BOA Future Leaders Programme

�°Ĳʿ��/BSS Presidents' Travelling Fellowship 2023 - applications welcome

ORUK/�°Ĳʿ��/BSS Spine Research Fellowship 2023

Future Leaders Programme with BOA - �°Ĳʿ��-sponsored place

�°Ĳʿ�� Webinar - 10 Aug @ 7pm - How to avoid and how to tackle allegations of professional misconduct

27-30 September 2022Combined �°Ĳʿ�� sessions

MoVe Com Study - the �°Ĳʿ�� trainee collaborative

�°Ĳʿ�� 2022 Registration is now open!

�°Ĳʿ��2022 Abstract Submission Portal is NOW OPEN

�°Ĳʿ�� Boot Camp 2021 - 10-11 Sept 2021

�°Ĳʿ�� Debate Series "To Move or to Fuse" Free Webinar - Tuesday 13th July 2021

�°Ĳʿ�� Trainee Sub-Committee: Applications welcome

�°Ĳʿ�� and BSS sponsored places for the 2022 BOA Future Leaders Programme (FLP)

Survey Distribution to �°Ĳʿ�� Society Members

Statement from the British Scoliosis Society (BSS) and the �°Ĳʿ�� (�°Ĳʿ��) regarding wait times for adult and paediatric elective spine patients

�°Ĳʿ�� Educational Webinar: 23 June - Paediatric Spondylolisthesis and Kyphosis

�°Ĳʿ�� Educational Webinar: 16 June - Early Onset & Non Idiopathic Scoliosis

�°Ĳʿ�� Webinar for Industry - 15 June: Principles of Deformity Correction

�°Ĳʿ�� Educational Webinar: 9 June - Assessment & Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)

�°Ĳʿ�� Webinar for Industry - 8 June - Segmental Spinal Reconstruction for Tumour & Trauma: Surgical approaches

�°Ĳʿ�� Webinar for Industry - LIFs

�°Ĳʿ��/BSS Webinar - Reintroduction of Elective Surgery during COVID-19

�°Ĳʿ�� Webinar for Industry - Rationale of ACDF vs Cervical Arthroplasty

�°Ĳʿ��/BSS Presidents' Travelling Fellowship 2020

�°Ĳʿ��/BSS Presidents’ Travelling Fellowship 2019

�°Ĳʿ�� 2019 Abstract Submissions

A message from the �°Ĳʿ�� President - Stuart Blagg

�°Ĳʿ��2017 Manchester – Podium and Poster Prize Winners