North American Spine Society 34th Annual Meeting Highlights

The 34^th Annual Meeting of the North American Spine Society (NASS) was held in Chicago's McCormick Place September 25-28, 2019. Presentation and technology highlights from this year's meeting are featured.

Many of the presentations made during NASS 2019 focused on surgical and interventional spine care.

Preventing Surgeon Burnout and Suicide

With Todd J. Albert, MD

This podium presentation intensely focused on physician burnout, increased risk for suicide and emphasized the need to destigmatize burnout to allow more physicians to talk about the issue and seek help.

Carving Out Time to Prevent Physician Burnout: Q&A with Todd Albert, MD

With Todd J. Albert, MD

As part of the Preventing Surgeon Burnout and Suicide, Dr. Albert engaged with the audience to discuss the topic more openly and answer questions.

The Role of Neuromodulation in Complex Pain Conditions

With Alexander S. Bailey, MD

Important studies on neuromodulation used in patients with chronic pain included patients with spinal conditions. The question was raised whether spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has an impact on the opioid crisis and why more spine surgeons should consider SCS as part of treatment pathways.

Can Standard Work Reduce Complications in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery?

With Douglas C. Burton, MD

Standardizing the surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity includes using a patient optimization protocol, which is supported by good evidence.

When Do Complications Occur After Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery?

With Alan H. Daniels, MD

Current evidence regarding risk factors for complications of adult spinal deformity surgery and how these complications have changed over time.

Optimizing Preemptive and Perioperative Analgesia in Spine Surgery to Reduce Postoperative Opioid Use

With Gregory Grabowsky, MD

Strategies for optimizing preemptive and perioperative pain management with the goal of reducing the risk for long-term opioid use after spine surgery.

Exercise as a Vital Sign in Spine Care

Presented by Stanley A. Herring, MD

Implications of physical inactivity on outcomes of spinal surgery and the need for a paradigm change to promote exercise earlier in life as preventative medicine.

4 Spine Technology Highlights from NASS 2019

By Susan Spinasanta

SpineUniverse technology highlights focus on four innovative spine companies improving patient care through advanced diagnostic and treatment solutions.

The Role of Spine Surgeons in Reducing Opioid Overdoses

With Katherine Travnicek, MD

The landscape of the opioid crisis has changed, and as the number of opioid-related overdose deaths continue to rise, spine surgeons play a key role in helping reduce these rates.