Topics & Presenters 2018
| 28/02/2018 | Paper Presentation: Paper Title "Management of osteoporosis in spine surgery" by Dr Bi Yi Chen, Neurosurgical Registrar (Concord Repatriation General Hospital) Paper Abstract: Osteoporosis is a burgeoning clinical problem that is characterized by decreased bone strength and density. It predisposes patients to fragility fractures and debilitating spine deformities. Several complications are associated with spine surgery in patients with osteoporosis, and there is currently no treatment algorithm to guide the spine surgeon. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment of patients with osteoporosis and spine deformity or fracture is encouraged, and preoperative planning is crucial for successful surgical outcomes. Several surgical techniques have been developed to treat osteoporosis-related deformities, including posterior instrumentation with fusion. However, achieving fixation and fusion in these patients can be difficult secondary to poor bone stock. Augmentation methods to improve pedicle screw fixation have evolved, including instrumentation at multiple levels, bioactive cement augmentation, and fenestrated or expandable pedicle screws, but their impact on clinical outcomes remains unknown. Management of osteoporosis in patients undergoing spine surgery is challenging, but with appropriate patient selection, medical optimization, and surgical techniques, these patients can experience pain relief, deformity correction, and improved function. |
| 18/4/2018 | "Bio-Psycho-Social Model of Pain: Practical implications for Occupational Medicine" by Dr Christella Mylordi, Occupational Medicine |
| 23/5/2018 | “Psychological Management of Pain” by Dr Margaret Tadros and Dr Bradley Wood |
| 20/6/2018 | “Medical Management of Occipital Neuralgia” by Dr Vishal Patel (Neurologist) "Surgical Management of Occipital Neuralgia" by Dr Omprakash Damodaran (Neurosurgeon) |
| 18/7/2018 | “Update on Spinal Metastasis" by Dr Krishna Tallapragada (Neurosurgical Registrar) Journal Club presentations by Prof James van Gelder (Neurosurgeon) "Anticonvulsants in the treatment of low back pain and lumbar radicular pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Abstract: Background: The use of anticonvul- sants (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin) to treat low back pain has increased sub- stantially in recent years despite limited supporting evidence. We aimed to determine the efficacy and tolerability of anticonvulsants in the treatment of low back pain and lumbar radicular pain compared with placebo. "Inconclusive evidence to support the use of minimally-invasive radiofrequency denervation against chronic low back pain" Abstract: Low back pain (LBP), defined as the localized pain or discomfort between the costal margins and superior gluteal line, with or without associated lower limb pain, is one of the most commonly encountered pain syndromes in adults. It is considered chronic LBP (CLBP), when pain persists for more than three months. CLBP might be disabling with increased missing hours of productive work or of personal activities and it can also be associated with significant excess of healthcare costs. Commonly, CLBP also gives rise to the genesis or exacerbation of various psychiatric disorders, such as depression and/or anxiety. |
| 15/8/2018 | “Nerve conduction studies and EMG in the diagnosis of radiculopathy" by Dr Bassel Hassan (Neurologist) |
| 12/09/2018 | "Photobiomodulation - a new paradigm - how light can modulate pain, reduce inflammation and improve surgical outcomes" by Dr. Roberta Chow PhD (General Practice) (MB BS (Hons) FRACGP FAMAC MAppl Sci PhD Grad Cert Pain Management) |
| 10/10/2018 | The current evidence (or lack thereof) for medical marijuana in neuropathic pain by Dr Jane Standen MBBS (UniSyd) FANZCA FFPMANZCA |
| 7/11/2018 | Short presentation on the RESTORE trial for Lower Back Pain by Associate Professor Mark Hancock The RESTORE clinical trial is a large scale research study in Australia exploring back pain treatments, and trying to measure how effective existing treatments are for people with persistent low back pain, while also testing newer forms of treatment that involve individualized movement rehabilitation. |
| 5/12/2018 | Biomedical Engineering Innovations Symposium: A series of innovation projects presented by The Institute of Biomedical Engineering & Technologies (University of Sydney) in collaboration with the Sydney Spine Institute |
