Learn More About the SRS and our Mission
The purpose of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) is to foster the optimal care of all patients with spinal deformities. Founded in 1966 with 35 members, the SRS has grown to include almost 1100 of the world’s leading spine surgeons in 41 countries, as well as some researchers, physician assistants and orthotists who are involved in research and treatment of spinal deformities.

The organization holds an annual meeting with strong global participation from spine surgeons and specialists from around the world. This annual scientific meeting includes scientific presentations related to spine surgery and spinal deformity, which are selected through a process of abstract submission and peer review. A second annual meeting, entitled International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques (IMAST) is held, focusing on emerging technologies and techniques.

AOSpine and Scoliosis Research Society
“Scoli-Risk-1” Kickoff at IMAST

Over 30 people attended the Scoli-Risk-1 kickoff meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark on July 14 to mark the first partnership between AOSpine and the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS). The two organizations have joined forces to conduct a multi-center study to evaluate risks and complications associated with Adult Spinal Deformity surgery.

According to Dr. Lawrence G. Lenke, SRS President and principal investigator of the study, the “ScoliRisk Study is a prospective multicenter international clinical observational study to thoroughly evaluate neurological and all complications associated with complex adult spinal deformity surgery.” The initial plan was to research a new drug that could potentially reduce neurological complications during complex spine surgery but upon further investigations, no solid data on true incidence of neurologic complications existed making this the crucial first step of the Scoli-Risk-1 study.

The study will be conducted at 15 centers worldwide, including nine North American facilities, three European facilities, and three facilities located in Asia. More than 240 patients will be enrolled in the study that will help define and record the risks, neurological and all complications associated with specific complex adult spine deformity cases. With the help of AOSpine, SRS, and a grant from Norton Healthcare, the team expects to begin entering cases as early as this fall.

The kick-off for the Scoli-Risk-1 study was held during the SRS’s 18th International Meeting on Advanced Spine Techniques (IMAST) in Copenhagen, Denmark. Principle investigators and study coordinators from each site met to begin preliminary planning for the inaugural investigation. The lead study team includes both SRS and AOSpine members including: Dr. Lenke (Principal Investigator, Washington University, St. Louis), Leah Carreon, MD (Leatherman Spine Center, Louisville, Kentucky), Kenneth Cheung, MD (University of Hong Kong), Michael Fehlings, MD (Co-Principal Investigator, University of Toronto), and Christopher Shaffrey, MD (University of Virginia).

Both organizations hope this study will ultimately lead to increased patient safety for those undergoing spinal deformity surgery by reducing the neurological risks associated with these complex procedures. Both SRS and AOSpine are excited to begin this historic collaboration and look forward to providing important research information to the spinal surgery community in the future.