APOA
Spinal disorders and spinal surgery constitute a great proportion of patients suffering from musculoskeletal diseases and injury. The foundation member countries/territories of the WPOA (now renamed APOA) had a very strong background in spinal surgery, pioneering many of the advances in spinal surgery in the world. The Spine Section was formed in 1979 for communication, academic exchange, and advancement of the techniques of spinal surgery and basic research for spinal disorders in this region.
However, great strides have also been made in other parts of the world in the field of spinal dis-orders and spinal surgery. Although some of the diseases and disorders are more common in different parts of the world, much of the problems facing spinal surgeons in the 21st century are common to territories worldwide. Some parts of the world have more funding and resources for basic research, whilst other parts of the world are abundant in excellent clinical material for clinical research and application.
It is becoming more and more commonplace for spinal surgeons to travel great distances to attend spinal meetings, and also to attend such meetings 4 or 5 times a year. It is of course important to have cross fertilization, but many of the papers presented at such meetings are felt to be duplicated. Besides, it entails a lot of human and monitory resources to organize and run good meetings. The commercial exhibitors, who have been very supportive of our specialty, have also found it difficult to sponsor similar meetings several times a year all over the world.
The SpineWeek concept provides an opportunity to do the following:
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The Council of the Spinal Section supports SpineWeek strongly, but cannot officially participate in the organization of 2004 meeting, because the APOA has its Triennial Congress in that year. However, a delegation of our members will attend the meeting.
John C.Y. Leong
For the APOA-SPINE SECTION
www.apoa-home.com