New Delhi: Spinal cord injuries, crippling victims for life, has been a very tough challenge for spinal experts but some enabling technologies might prove godsend in the handling of SCI. Unveiling of some such innovations in the International Spine and Spinal Injuries Confrence (ISSICON) organized by Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute and the Spinal Cord Society raised a lot of hope for victims of this devastating injuries. Dr. H S Chhabra, the doyen of spine care in India, has described these innovations as game changer. According to him, the quest is to capture best rehabilitation outcome for patients. The role of robot and Artificial Intelligence (AI) were also factored in.
ISSICON proved a veriat bale master class for advancing knowledge on spinal cord injury (SCI) management. With national and international experts, the conference focused on the latest innovations in treatment, rehabilitation, and enabling technologies. The two-day conference, attended by more than 600 participants, in the preceding week proved quite enlightening. In addition, 13 pre conference workshops were organised on 25th October at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute. A post conference Cadaveric Workshop on Robotics and Navigation in spine surgery on October 28 was icing on the cake.
Renowned Spine Surgeon and Head of Spine Services at the Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute Dr. HS Chhabra, who is also President of the Spinal Cord Society and Chairman of the ISSICON 2024 Organizing Committee, claimed while opening the conference that the event will prove a game changer in the management and rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries, with a focus on “Enabling Technologies in SCI Care.
Dr. HS Chhabra emphasized the transformative potential of enabling technologies in improving the outcomes of SCI patients. “Spinal cord injuries are life-altering events that require continuous innovations in treatment and rehabilitation. Through advanced technologies such as robotic surgery, neurorehabilitation tools, and artificial intelligence, we can offer safer, more reliable options that enhance the efficacy of treatments and reduce complications,” said Dr. Chhabra.
The conference served as a hub for sharing the latest research, techniques, and technologies in the field of SCI management. It highlighted interdisciplinary approaches that incorporate surgical advancements, innovative rehabilitation strategies, and assistive technologies, benefiting not only healthcare professionals but also the patients they serve.
Experts presented groundbreaking work in areas such as robotic exoskeletons for mobility, virtual reality neurorehabilitation, and assistive technology innovations that are redefining spinal care. One of the key discussions focused on spinal cord stimulation and neuromodulation, which offer new hope for restoring functions in paralyzed individuals. Panelists also explored the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing decision-making and precision in spine care.
One of the highlights of the conference was a session on Patrick Kluger Innovation in SCI Care. Dr Kluger was a globally renowned expert in spinal cord injury care and he is credited with many innovations in the field. The session focused on cutting-edge developments such as spinal stimulation and neural regeneration techniques. It emphasized the potential of regenerative medicine and neural interface technologies to change the landscape of SCI rehabilitation, offering new hope for patients facing long-term disability.
According to experts, innovations in spinal care are not just about improving survival rates but enhancing the quality of life for SCI patients. The progress that has been made in neural interfaces and spinal stimulation could pave the way for more functional recovery.
ISSICON 2024 featured a series of interactive workshops that offered participants hands-on experience with state-of-the-art techniques in spine care. These workshops, organised at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute on 25th October were attended by spinal surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, and healthcare professionals from around the world, allowing for knowledge exchange and skill enhancement in managing complex spinal conditions. Attendees participated in these hands-on workshops, ranging from spinal surgery techniques to rehabilitation innovations like sacral anterior root stimulation, diaphragmatic stimulation and robotic-assisted rehabilitation. The conference also featured pre-conference workshops on the latest advancements in surgical techniques, which were well-received by the surgeons and rehabilitation professionals in attendance..
With a lineup of distinguished 50 international and 167 national faculty, ISSICON 2024 set new benchmarks in SCI care. As part of the World Health Organization’s Rehabilitation 2030 initiative, this conference aligned with global efforts to improve access to rehabilitation services, particularly in under-resourced regions.
