Spine surgery represents intervention into a complex and intricate 3D space surrounded by vital and delicate structures. Future breakthroughs in surgical planning will lead to better surgical outcomes. Computers will increasingly being utilized to help surgeons plan and participate in preparatory virtual sessions before spine surgery. Preoperative imaging data will be reformatted to digitally recreate internal spine environments in multiple dimensions. Computer generated models will be used to predict morphological characteristics after surgery and will also be used to predict spinal tissue function and mechanical stability.
Integrated data from imaging procedures will continue to be used to guide delicate stereotactic procedures. They will simply become more controlled and precise. The surgical field is relatively small and structurally complex therefore a digitally reconstructed landscape using both endoscopic and macroscopic views will be used to help plan and guide procedures. Increasingly powerfull hardware and software will be used in the future to fuse datasets from multimodality imaging sources such as CT, MRI and PET. The datasets will be used to develop computer simulated perspectives and assist neuronavigation systems. Advanced surgical planning is and will remain one of the most important steps for improving the outcome of spine surgery. The future operating suite will include robotic options, real-time virtual imaging of the surgial field and advanced stereotactic navigation equipment.
Prior to entering the operating room spine surgeons will be able to use a virtual system to explore and plan their surgical approach using imaging datasets. It will incorporate seamless integration of multimodality images such as CT, CTA, PET, MRI, and MRA. The operating room of the future will be integrated, offering customized connectivity to imaging derived datasets and navigation methods. The operating room staff will be able to access and display information whenever the surgeon needs it. Sophisticated hardware and software will be integrated to provide a detailed real and/or virtual view of the operative landscape and defined regions of interest. The spine surgeon will be able to look at the spine from any angle in multiple dimensions. The efficiency of the surgial workflow will improve dramatically.
Spine surgeons of the future will be able to access imaging derived biochemical maps of spine tissues matched with tissue segments. This information may be used to evaluate histoanatomic integrity and the biochemical basis of structural stability, process which will help guide the placement of stabilizing devices and /or arthrodesis.
Welcome to the Inform a Colleague area of the Academy Website. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) strives to implement new and more efficient methods for members to communicate with other healthcare professionals. One of the most effective tools is the online "Inform a Colleague" function. This function can be used to expand and educate your spinecare referral network. It also represents a resource to conveniently inform others about trends in spinecare and about offers of organizations such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), the International Spine Association (ISA). The link library also contains an application for membership with the AASP.
The online "Inform a Colleague" feature provides an invaluable time-saving service for keeping spinecare professionalsup-to-date, expanding the spinecare network, stimulating interdisciplinary referrals and for inviting colleagues to join the AASP. The library of links is always being updated with useful information and resources. The linked messages can be used to
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Member:
This level of membership is for physicians (MD, DC, DO) whose practice/interest includes patients with spinal disorders. ($250)
Affiliate Member:
This level of membership is for allied healthcare professionals involved in spinecare and/or spine research. This includes physical therapists, massage therapists, exercise physiologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician's assistants, diagnostic technicians, surgical technicians, exercise instructors, personal trainers and individuals who hold a PhD and work in the field of spinecare. ($150)
Candidate Member:
This level of membership is for residents, fellows and students who have an interest in spinecare. ($35)
Membership will automatically renew each calendar year starting from the date of membership renewal or membership acceptance unless the AASP is specifically notified in writing by the member at least 30 days prior to their renewal date. Please address all correspondence to the AASP Office of Member Services.
Review the accuracy of your contact information and practice profile information including your email address. To update your profile online go to spinephysicians.org and login using your unique member ID and PIN as noted below.
Please notify the AASP if you no longer meet membership criteria. This includes maintaining an active license to practice.
Welcome to the Inform a Colleague area of the Academy Website. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) strives to implement new and more efficient methods for members to communicate with other healthcare professionals. One of the most effective tools is the online "Inform a Colleague" function. This function can be used to expand and educate your spinecare referral network. It also represents a resource to conveniently inform others about trends in spinecare and about offers of organizations such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), the International Spine Association (ISA). The link library also contains an application for membership with the AASP.
