Recent BASS/BSS webinar about the reintroduction of elective spinal surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. (broadcast on 7 May 2020)

To view the video, please click here

In this first webinar of this planned series, the faculty will discuss the indications for fusion versus disc arthoplasty in cervical spine and the decision making behind each option. This would be covered with short presentations, case discussions, analysis of the literature and live interaction with the attendees via polling and Q&As to help cover the rationale for the 2 surgical options.
It is envisaged this webinar will last for around 1.5 hrs.

This webinar is aimed for those working in HealthTech Industries.

Topic: Rationale of ACDF vs Cervical Arthroplasty
When: Tuesday 26th May 2020 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Where: Zoom Online Webinar
Registration Fee: £25.00

To register, visit: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e9Yoj1htRsuRYJRiAecI1g

BASS will be looking to run future webinars on various topics in the coming weeks, such as: 

• Rational for Use of Lumbar Interbody Cages-ALIF/TLIF/LLIF/OLIF/PLIF
• Rationale of Anterior or Posterior Approach for Spinal Instability
• Principles of Deformity Correction

Please email info@spinesurgeons.ac.uk if you have any other suggested topics you wish for BASS to run a webinar on.

Moderator:
Sashin Ahuja (President BASS)

Co-ordinator/Co Host:
Rohit Shetty (Education Chair BASS), Henry Dodds (Exec Asst. UKSSB)

Speakers:
TBC (details of speakers will be updated on the registration page when confirmed)

The Journal of the British Association of Spine Surgeons - Sponsorship Opportunities Available for the First Edition

The British Association of Spine Surgeons are producing a Journal in collaboration with BIBA Publishing. This will be an online and annually-printed publication based on the content of UK Spine Society meetings occurring during the preceding 12 months.

We are publishing the first edition of this Journal at BritSpine 2020 in Glasgow (1-3 April 2020) both in print and online, and would like to offer our industry partners and sponsors the opportunity to support this publication.
UPDATE: Due to COVID-19, BritSpine has been postponed to 2021. For more information, visit www.BritSpine.com

Opportunities for advertising of products and services will be for both print and online versions of the publication. Please see the attached Media Pack from BIBA Publishing for rates and specifications.

Please note – Advertising Space is limited and we will be allocating this on a first-come basis

We will make every attempt to ensure in the printed version, any sponsored promotional material is placed next to relevant academic material. For example, categories of the Podium presentations covered in the latest BASS meeting to be published were: Lumbar Degenerative Disease, Deformity & Infection, Trauma & Tumour, Innovation, Spinal Injuries and Governance & Commissioning.We welcome all who are interested in the opportunity of placing promotional material in this inaugural publication of this Journal.

Please see the information pack attached and e-mail Jade Keegan at jade@bibamedical.com for further information and to book your advertising space.

Yours sincerely,

Tim Germon – Column & Cord Editor

Sashin Ahuja – BASS President

Dear BASS and BSS Members,

The British Association of Spinal Surgeons (BASS) and the British Scoliosis Society (BSS) offer senior residents, spinal fellows and consultants within two years of appointment a chance to have extensive exposure to complex spinal procedures at established spinal units over 2 weeks.The Fellowship programme includes mandatory attendance at the following BASS/BSS meetings. The programme rotates between established orthopaedic and neurosurgical spinal centres allowing significant contact between fellows and leaders in the field.

The Fellowship will take place between 9th and 20th March 2020. The Fellowship will rotate around centres in the UK (Centres proposed include London, Ipswich, Cambridge, Leeds and Cardiff, subject to change). Successful fellows will then attend BritSpine 2020 in Glasgow to present as a group on their Fellowship.

Further details can be obtained from Mr Rohit Shetty, BASS Executive member for Education - education@spinesurgeons.ac.uk

Application Process:
To apply, please submit the following documents:

• your Curriculum Vitae (CV),
• a personal statement describing your career pathway, interests and future plans.
• A letter of recommendation from your supervising consultant/clinical lead.

Your application should be sent to UKSSB@boa.ac.uk by Sunday 15th December 2019. (only Word or PDF file formats accepted)

Applications will be reviewed by a panel from the BASS and BSS Executives. All candidates will be informed of the decisions in December 2019.

Eligibility Criteria:
Personal Specification HERE

• Applicants should be members of either BASS, BSS, BOA, SBNS or local spine society.
• Applicants should be post-FRCS exam senior residents, clinical spinal fellows or junior consultants in the first 2 years of their appointment.
• Previously unsuccessful applicants can re-apply.
• Fellowships cannot be awarded retrospectively.

 

Details of The 2020 Fellowship:

• BASS/BSS will reimburse travelling expenses up to £2,000. Claims must be submitted within 6 months of the Fellowship. Detailed financial arrangements will be provided to successful candidates.
• International fellows will be required to pay for their flights to the UK.
• By accepting the Fellowship, all awardees agree not to partake in any activities that will bring BASS/BSS and/or sponsors into disrepute. BASS/BSS accept no liability for the actions of the candidates whilst on the Fellowship or for activities related to it.
• Each Fellow is required to submit a report of approximately 500 words within 6 weeks of completion of the Fellowship. This may be published on the BASS and/or BSS websites and official communications.
• Fellows will attend BritSpine 2020 and present a group presentation (Friday 3^rd April, subject to change)

Link to Document: Clinical negligence_expert criteria_BASS_SBNS_final.pdf

We are delighted to announce the launch of two fully funded pilot Training Interface Group (TIG) fellowships in Spinal surgery.

The fellowships will be pilot fellowships

Applicants will be pre CCT trainees and will require to apply for Out of programme training recognition for the period of the fellowship (OOPT).

All fellowships will be regulated by the JCST and will be administered by the Severn deanery under the auspices of the Interface Training Oversite Group (ITOG).

Fellowships to commence February 2020 or June 2020

​

For more details, please view the full STIG Announcement and the Hospital Application Form

BASS have released a management update for pyogenic spondylodiscitis.

We intend this to be of use to doctors in disciplines such as general practice, emergency medicine and general medicine as well as our membership and therefore we encourage the dissemination of this document.

Link to Document HERE – Knowledge Update in the Management of Spondylodiscitis

NICE have released guidance and recommendations on a new spinal cord stimulation technology (MTG41)

We include a link to the specific guidance for the interest of the public and our members. BASS fully supports a previous NICE recommendation (TA159) that any spinal cord stimulation should be provided only after an assessment by a multidisciplinary team experienced in chronic pain assessment and management of people with spinal cord stimulation devices, including experience in the provision of ongoing monitoring and support of the person assessed.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/MTG41

The GIRFT report for Spinal Surgery has been published today (30 January 2019)

To download the full report, please visit the GIRFT Website: https://gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/surgical-specialty/spinal-surgery/

BASS and The Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS) has developed a guideline to be used for the management of patients with suspected or confirmed Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Link to Document HERE