Greetings from the president
My name is Katsushi Takeshita from the Department of Orthopaedics at Jichi Medical University. I am honored to be in charge of the 31st Annual Meeting of Japan Society for the Study of Surgical Technique for Spine and Spinal Nerves. It is a great privilege to host this prestigious conference.
One of the unique features of this meeting is that it brings together orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. The founding president, Kiyoshi Kumano, established three key principles: 1) participant-centered involvement, 2) multidisciplinary collaboration between orthopaedics and neurosurgery, and 3) simultaneous progress with the world. These principles have guided the development of our meetings, and we aim to keep them in mind for this year’s conference.
We are managing the conference with Professor Atsushi Kimura from Jichi Medical University as the Secretary-General, and two Vice-Presidents are Dr. Ryu Kurokawa (Neurosurgery, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital) and Dr. Hisashi Koga (Director, Iwai FESS Clinic). Additionally, we have been working with the Jichi Medical University research department and alumni association to prepare for the meeting. The program committee includes Dr. Hisashi Koga and Dr. Hideki Shigematsu (Orthopaedics, Nara Medical University), whose talents we have long admired, and Dr. Kanji Mori (Orthopaedics, Shiga University of Medical Science), known for his expertise in imaging diagnostics and OPLL research. Together, we have developed an engaging and attractive program.
The theme for this year's conference is “Pioneering the Future of Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery.” The goal is to incorporate innovative ideas and not be constrained by past experiences or techniques.
For the special lectures, we have invited Dr. Satoshi Maki (Orthopaedics, Chiba University), who has been at the forefront of AI applications. Other topics include strategies for achieving lumbar lordosis, preventing complications in spinal surgery, treatment strategies for lumbar foraminal stenosis, surgical support technologies, surgical treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures, updates on endoscopic surgery, surgical treatment of adult spinal deformities, and expanding the indications for spinal endoscopic surgery.
In addition, as part of the panel discussions, we will explore the appeal of spine and spinal surgery from the perspective of female physicians and discuss their expectations for education in this field. Female spinal surgeons from various age groups who are currently active in the field will share their insights and experiences.
Additionally, there will be an international online debate program featuring two main topics: the first on "Surgical Strategies for Dropped-head syndrome," with presentations from Prof. Christopher P. Ames (Neurosurgery, University of San Francisco), Dr. Yoshifumi Kudo (Showa University), and Dr. Hiroshi Miyamoto (Kobe Rosai Hospital); and the second on "The Future of Spinal Endoscopic Surgery: FESS and UBE," with presentations from Dr. Verapan Kuansongtham (Neurosurgeon, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand), Dr. Jwo-Luen Pao (President, Taiwan Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, New Taipei, Taiwan), and Dr. Takeshi Umebayashi (Tokyo Spine Clinic Neurosurgery).
Of course, our conference will also feature unique Spine Leader’s Lectures and diverse luncheon-, morning-, and afternoon- lectures.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to many medical organizations for their supporting this conference, to President Kumano and the coordinating headquarters for their advice and support, as well as to the Vice Presidents, program committee members, and especially to Dr. Atsushi Kimura for his extensive work on the conference’s administrative and program planning. The conference will be held in Utsunomiya, which is just 48 minutes by bullet train from Tokyo Station and a short walk from the venue. Tochigi Prefecture, despite its proximity to the capital region, is blessed with natural beauty, such as Nikko, and a rich food culture, including delicious Gyoza (chinese dumpling) and beef. I hope everyone enjoys the social gathering for all members which will be held on the first day of the meeting.
Cover Page Description: The venue is the Light Cube Utsunomiya, a modern facility completed two years ago, still with a hint of newness. Next to the venue, the Utsunomiya Light Rail, a new tram line that began operation last year after 75 years, operates its shining vehicles.
Professor Katsushi Takeshita MD PhD
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jichi Medical University
President of the 31st Annual Meeting of the JPSTSS
