Spine Universe Editorial Board

Dr. Abitbol earned his Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada. His Internship and Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery were at McGill University. Dr. Abitbol was a Spine Fellow at Mt. Sinai and Toronto General Hospital through the University of Toronto under the training of John Kostuik, M.D.

As an active member of many professional organizations, Dr. Abitbol serves as President Elect of the North American Spine Society and Past President of the Federation of Spine Association. Further, he is a member of the American Orthopaedic Association, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and Cervical Spine Research Society.

Dr. Abitbol has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Cervical Spine Research Society Award for Outstanding Spine Research, AME Traveling Fellowship Award, Young Investigator Award from the Orthopaedic Research Society, and Outstanding Spine Research from the North American Spine Society AcroMed Award.

To scientific research on spine illness and deformity, Dr. Abitbol has contributed more than 27 book chapters, published 36 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and presented 24 abstracts and 8 exhibits. He is also an Editorial Reviewer for the journal Spine.

SpineUniverse articles from Jean-Jacques Abitbol, MD, FRCSC

• 6 Leading Causes of Sciatica
  Can you prevent sciatica? Anyone who has experienced an episode of sciatica wants to know! Understanding what can cause sciatica-related low back and leg pain is a good place to start.
• Airbags + Seat Belts = Spine Protection
  Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of spinal cord injury.
• Basketball and My Close Call
  Warming up the muscles in your body by walking briskly or stretching can help prevent injury during play and sports.
• How to Select a Spine Surgeon
  In today's complex medical field, it is important for patients to be involved in their own medical care. Included are guidelines on what to look for in a spine specialist.
• Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty: Treatments for Spinal Compression Fractures
  Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty help to relieve the pain associated with osteoporotic compression fractures and involve the injection of medical grade cement into fractured vertebrae.
• Las 6 causas principales de ciática
  Existen varios trastornos diferentes de la columna lumbar (parte baja de la espalda) que pueden provocar ciática.
• Lumbar Back Sprains and Strains
  Most people will experience back pain during their lifetime. Some patients fear the worst, especially when pain is severe. Although back pain can be caused by fracture, disc disorder, or tumor, the most common cause is sprain or strain.
• Lumbar Back Sprains: Diagnostic Steps
  A lumbar sprain or strain causes local tissues to swell causing pain, tenderness and stiffness. The pain and other symtpoms may mimic other disorders affecting the back.
• Lumbar Back Sprains: Treatment and Prevention
  The most common cause of back pain is a spinal sprain or strain. Because the pain can be sudden and severe, some patients fear the worst.
• Lumbar Herniated Disc
  A common cause of low back and leg pain is a bulging or herniated disc in the lumbar area. Symptoms may include dull or sharp pain, leg weakness or tingling, or sciatica—pain that shoots down your leg. Illustrations show a normal and herniated disc.
• Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon Education and Training
  Orthopaedic spine surgeons are highly educated medical professionals who specialize in treating all types of spinal disorders and conditions.
• Patients Rights and Informed Consent
  Patients rights and informed consent are guidelines designed to help establish a stronger relationship of trust among consumers, health care professionals, health care institutions and health plans.
• Progressive Steps toward Lumbar Disc Herniation
  Many factors increase the risk for disc herniation such as biochemical changes that accompany normal aging and poor lifestyle choices.
• Questions to Ask Your Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon
  This guideline will help you prepare for your visit with an orthopaedic spine surgeon. Plus questions to ask.
• Spine Specialists On-Call: Complex Cervical Spine Surgery and Anesthesia - Considerations Before and During Surgery
  Complex cervical spine surgery requires careful preoperative planning to minimize the patient's risk for complication.
• Strength Training for Kids
  Strength training for kids is different than strength training for adults. For children, the goal is not to bulk up and shouldn't be confused with weightlifting, powerlifting, or bodybuilding.
• Strength Training Safety for Kids
  Experts acknowledge that with good technique and proper supervision, children can safely participate in strength training programs.
• Treatment and Prevention of Lumbar Disc Herniations
  Most patients with a lumbar herniated disc will not require spine surgery. In 4 to 6 weeks, most patients find their symptoms are relieved using non-surgical treatments.
• What Disorders Do Orthopaedic Spine Surgeons Treat?
  Orthopaedic spine surgeons treat all disorders and conditions that affect the spine.
• What is an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon?
  Orthopaedic spine specialists are orthopaedists who further specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal diseases and conditions.
• What Treatments Do Orthopaedic Spine Surgeons Provide?
  Orthopaedic spine surgeons are trained in the latest surgical techniques to treat spinal disorders.