Exploring the Future of Spine Care: Friday & Saturday Symposia Look Ahead
As we approach the NASS 2024 Annual Meeting, we’re excited about the breadth of knowledge and innovation that will be shared during the Friday and Saturday symposia. These sessions promise to be a highlight of the meeting, featuring expert-led discussions on some of the most pressing topics in spine care today. Below is a preview of what attendees can expect to close out the week.
Friday, September 27
7:30–9:00 a.m.
Friday’s sessions kick off with Symposium: Cervical and Lumbar Total Disc Replacement: Expanding Indications and When Not To. This session will explore the evolution of cervical and lumbar TDR, with a focus on literature beyond FDA-approved IDE trials. Chaired by Drs. Richard D. Guyer and Jessica L. Shellock, the session includes case-based discussions and insights from international experiences, addressing both the potential and limitations of TDR. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for evaluating candidates and understanding when contraindications should be rigorously applied. The NASSi & AO Spine North America (AOSNA) International Symposium on Complex Cervical Deformity offers a case-based exploration of the intricacies involved in diagnosing and treating complex cervical deformities. Moderated by Thomas Mroz, MD, the session delves into the characterization of deformities, optimizing patient preparation for surgery, and developing step-by-step surgical plans to correct and stabilize these challenging conditions. Attendees will gain practical strategies to determine surgical approaches, reduce complications, and enhance outcomes in managing complex cervical deformities.
10:35 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The mid-morning sessions kick off with Navigating the Complexities of Chronic Mechanical Axial Low Back Pain: Diagnosis, Intervention, and Surgical Dilemmas Chronic mechanical axial low back pain (CmLBP) is a multifaceted issue, and this symposium, led by Chairs Zachary McCormick, MD, and Gurtej Singh, MD, will address the challenges of diagnosing and treating this condition. The session will cover best practices in history-taking, physical examination, diagnostic imaging, and injection-based strategies. Emerging interventional techniques and the ongoing debate between TDR and spinal fusion for refractory CmLBP will also be explored. In the forward-looking session, Section on Spinal Cord Injury: Emerging Technology for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation and Recovery: Has the Future Arrived? Chair Rajiv Saigal, MD, PhD, will lead a discussion about the latest advancements in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. Participants will learn about emerging technologies, such as spinal cord stimulation and nerve transfer techniques, that are transforming SCI treatment. This session is essential for those interested in the cutting-edge developments that are already beginning to reshape the future of SCI recovery. The symposium What Every Spine Physician Should Know About Cervical Trauma offers an in-depth, evidence-based review of the prevalence, initial workup, treatment options, and outcomes for adult cervical spine injuries. Guided by experts, including chairs Ashraf N. El Naga, MD, and David Gendelberg, MD, the session will cover the identification and management of various cervical fracture patterns and explore the principles guiding operative versus nonsurgical treatments. Attendees will gain essential strategies for effectively managing cervical spine trauma to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
12:00–1:30 p.m.
The Women in Spine Luncheon and Symposium: Breaking Barriers and Building Community will address the underrepresentation of women in spine surgery, focusing on strategies to foster inclusivity and support professional growth in the field. Moderated by Drs. Kathryn M. Jurenovich and Hania Shahzad, this session will offer insights into the fellowship process, practice building, and wellness, with contributions from leading female spine surgeons. Sponsored by Johnson&Johnson MedTech, this symposium is a valuable opportunity to educate and empower women in the spine community.
1:30–3:00 p.m.
The symposium Section on ISMM: Joint NASS-NANS: Navigating Clinical and Surgical Decision-Making in Patients with Complex Spinal Pain, chaired by Zachary McCormick, MD, will offer a multidisciplinary approach to managing complex spinal pain cases, particularly those involving neurostimulation devices. This session will cover the intricacies of medical, interventional, and surgical decision-making, providing participants with strategies to optimize outcomes for patients with refractory spinal pain. Through case discussions and expert insights, attendees will explore key factors influencing surgical candidacy, neuromodulation, and comprehensive care strategies. Private equity takeovers of medical practices and hospitals have sparked a debate on their potential benefits and drawbacks. In the symposium Pros and Cons of Private Equity in the Spine Field, chaired by Eric Muehlbauer, MJ, CAE, and Eric Tower, JD, experts will explore the complex realities of these agreements in the spine field. Participants will gain insights into the strategic considerations and potential impacts of engaging with private equity in their practice management.
3:35–5:05 p.m.
In Elevating Spine Surgery with AI: Current Landscape, Obstacles, and Future Frontiers, Peter Passias, MD will lead an expert panel in a conversation about the current and future role of AI in spine surgery. The discussion will cover the integration of AI-driven tools, such as surgical robots and predictive models, while also addressing the challenges of data privacy and the limitations of these technologies. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for implementing AI in their practices, enhancing their ability to navigate the complexities of AI in the surgical landscape.
Saturday, September 28
8:35–10:00 a.m.
The final day's symposium is Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine, an in-depth exploration of interventional techniques in spine and musculoskeletal medicine. This session will highlight the latest advancements in diagnosis and treatment, offering attendees practical insights into improving patient care in this dynamic field.
As we conclude this series highlighting the symposia at NASS 2024, it’s clear that the meeting will offer a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for professional growth. Whether you are looking to deepen your expertise in specific areas or stay ahead of emerging trends, these sessions promise to deliver valuable insights and foster meaningful discussions. Visit the NASS Annual Meeting Website to learn more and register today!