No abstract

This event is an accredited group learning activity as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The Annual Scientific Conference of the Canadian Spine Society provides a yearly review of spine care in Canada. This year the first combined conference widens its perspective to encompass participation by both the Spine Society of Australia and the New Zealand Orthopaedic Spine Society. There is also an increased contribution from paediatric spine. In addition to a review of surgical advances, the agenda covers a range of non-operative innovations and epidemiological studies. Presentations by members of the three societies will highlight the similarities, differences and common problems in three separate health care systems. Of particular interest are the management of neuromuscular spinal deformity and motion preserving surgery for degenerative back pain. A special focus is the development of national spine registries. Parallel efforts in all three countries will be compared and the conference will consider the possibility of international cooperation.