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Objectives

• As of this edition 2 parallel sessions will focus on a wide range of imaging and interventional techniques in the spine including anatomy, pathology and anterior spine interventions
  

• Joint sessions on the basics of anatomy, diagnosis, treatment, imaging and evidence based medicine are geared toward all spine care physicians
  

• A parallel session on minimal interventions will focus on the newest applications and techniques including vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, annuloplasty, discography, root blocks, radiofrequency therapy, ozon therapy and laser therapy
  

• A second parallel session will focus on diagnostic imaging of the spine including degenerative disease, spinal trauma, spinal tumors, spinal infection and inflammation, spinal vascular disease, the postoperative spine and others
  

• Workshops will run troughout the meeting giving attendees the possibility to interact in small groups with specialists in the field. These include among others vertebroplasty, interactive diagnostic imaging, radiofrequency 
  

• A special vertebroplasty cadaver workshop is available on the second afternoon to those interested in learning vertebroplasty hands-on from the experts 
  

• The multidisciplinary approach supported by active interaction with the industry will augment the attendees knowledge in that lead to amelioration and further development of (new) minimal invasive therapies of the anterior spinal column. 
  

• In summary, the assembly of physicians and industry and the interactive hands-on multidisciplinary approach provides a promising breeding ground for education, training and new technologies with better understanding and development of minimal invasive spine therapy and diagnostic procedures
  

• The final program will be available on this site soon. For an overview of last years program click here. For a list of last years participants click here.

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Dear friends and colleagues,

It gives me great pleasure to inform you about the second edition of our symposium on the minimal invasive therapy of the spine. A symposium that will be held in Ghent, Belgium, November 10/11, 2006.

The scientific program focuses on the diagnosis and management of spinal pain. The faculty of the most prestigious experts in spine research, therapy and diagnosis will provide a comprehensive update, through plenary lectures workshops and topical seminars .

This year the congress will consist of two major sections. In continuation of last year's meeting the minimal invasive interventional spine treatment options will be discussed. In parallel the diagnosis of spinal diseases will be developed.

Very important is the new contribution in diagnostic imaging and clinical experience. A full range of lecture will be added to the congress course to fulfil the complexity of spinal multidisciplinary approach.Let me draw your attention to the fact that this meeting is unique in his setup and goals. After 10 years of experience with workshops of vertebroplasty, nucleoplasty, kyphoplasty, diagnostic imaging and clinical examination of spinal pathology we will offer you an advanced course of spinal minimal interventions complimented with a full range of diagnostic lectures about spinal pathologic problems.

Ghent the capital of east Flanders, is one of the oldest and liveliest cities in Flanders, and provides an attractive setting for scientific events due to the unique blend of historical tradition and modern facilities.

The local organizing committee is planning to offer special conditions to trainees, and for early registration . Social activities and tours of the area will give you an extraordinary opportunity to experience and enjoy this unique European city.

On behalf of the organization and spine practitioners, let me invite you to participate and be our partner in this scientific event.

Dr. Hendrik Fransen
Chairman of this symposium
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Concept

Traditionally, pathology of the anterior spine has been treated either conservatively, by extended surgery, by radiotherapy or not at all. Most frequently these disorders cause invalidating, unmanageable pain. Until recently, only in a minority of patients the underlying pathologic spinal defect could be treated. Most of these patients are older and have various systemic diseases.

Pathology and therapy of the anterior spinal column has been neglected for a long time, because the medical profession could not offer proper therapy in most patients. Worldwide an inadequate management of acute and chronic patients with pathology of the anterior compartment of the spine is seen.

Next to the increasing world-wide population the live-expectancy of people tends to increase. Diseases of geriatric patients, such as osteoporosis and discogenic diseases, will increase likewise. These pathologic disorders are expected to be twice as high in the year 2030.

Specialized care of spine problems is essential if adequate and continued care is to provide comfort and functional improvement in daily living of geriatric patients. Next to geriatric patients, patients with pain due to benign or malignant tumors in the anterior spine region can be palliated.

In recent years development, research and application of minimal invasive interventions of this area have given physicians a lot of new opportunities to effectively treat anterior spinal pathology. Nowadays specialists in spine medicine can provide the necessary care. Spine medicine is gradually developing into a specialty of its own.

Orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, (intervention) radiologists, anesthesiologists and physiotherapists are all involved in dealing with diagnoses and (minimal invasive) therapy of anterior spinal disease. An interactive multidisciplinary approach with sharing of knowledge and discussions will improve anterior spinal column care management.

Next to the educational and scientific program, active hands on training workshops in small groups of nucleoplasty, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, clinical examination and diagnostic imaging of the spine will be held during the symposium.

It is a challenge to all of us to meet the organization's objectives. However, success of PROMIS will contribute significantly to the development of spine medicine as a specialty throughout the world.