The 44th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research


	〈Secretariat〉

	Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine

	1-1-1, Minamikogushi, Ube City, Yamaguchi, 755-8505, JAPAN

	TEL:+81-836-22-2268
	FAX:+81-836-22-2267

	〈Congress Secretariat〉

	c/o Congress Corporation

	1-9-17 Tenjin Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0001, JAPAN

	TEL: +81-92-716-7116
	FAX: +81-92-716-7143
	E-mail:jssr2015@congre.co.jp

Greeting on the Occasion of the 44th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research

Toshihiko Taguchi
Congress President
44th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research

  It is a great honor for us to be hosting the 44th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research in the city of Fukuoka from 16 to 18 April, 2015.

  The theme for this year’s meeting has been designated as “Shou Zen Kei Go, (Building on Past Achievements to Look to the Future in Treatment of Spinal-related Disorders). The objective of this theme is to ensure that effective medical treatment in spinal and spinal cord disorders is continued and used as a spring board for further development that will open a path to the future. Our society was established in 1972 as the Society for Research on Spine Surgery, and went on to change its name to the Japanese Spine Research Society, before being renamed once again to become the current Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research. In all fields of spine-related disorders, from epidemiology through to elucidation of disease pathologies and treatment, our society provides a forum for the provision of information and discussion in all aspects from basic research to clinical applications. The rarity of this kind of academic society around the world is one of our major defining characteristics. Given the historical uniqueness of our society our aim is to take on the achievements of our predecessors, further develop their accomplishments and pass on new insights and results as we look to the future.

  This year we received a record number of registered abstract submissions, totaling 1,509 in all. After a process of stringent and thorough screening, a total of 18 abstracts were adopted for symposiums, ６ for panel discussions, 60 for main theme presentations, 530 for free paper presentations and 438 for poster sessions. The overall acceptance rate was 70%.

  The Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research has played a tremendously significant role in improving standards of care for spine and spinal cord disorders, as well as disseminating knowledge and promoting awareness. At the same time, however, there is an enormous number of patients with spinal disorders who are limited in their day-to-day life due to pain or motor paralysis. The social and economic costs due to reduced quality of life (QOL) are incalculable and we face many challenges that require resolution. It is also our patients’ hope to avoid surgical treatment to the greatest extent possible, and to rather receive treatment that is preventive in nature, if such treatment is likely to be effective.

  Currently moves to boost awareness concerning locomotive syndrome are being vigorously implemented. Locomotive syndrome causes degeneration of motor system functions, thus reducing healthy life span. The spine and spinal cord are tremendously important components of the human motor system. I believe that by actively participating in this awareness raising movement for locomotive syndrome, our role is to respond to the wishes of the public by providing them with high quality vital functions through the prevention of spine-related disorders and the elucidation of the pathology of various conditions. Under the theme of “Shou Zen Kei Go, (Building on Past Achievements to Look to the Future in Treatment of Spinal-related Disorders). I look forward with great anticipation to the participation of many delegates, and three days of vigorous and fruitful discussions.