POSTPONED - Beyond 2020: Envisioning Future Treatment of Spinal Column and Cord Injury

Friday, May 15, 2020, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Shirley Ryan AbilityLAb


Spinal column and cord injury are seen not infrequently in the United States. Often affecting a predominantly male demographic between the ages of 25-35, these processes affect those in the prime of their life. In the United States, the annual incidence of spinal cord injury is 40-50 cases per 1,000,000 resulting in 17,000 new cases per year. The healthcare costs associated with this group is not insignificant; estimates range from $350,000 to $1,065,000 for the first year following injury and from $40,000 to $185,000 for each subsequent year. Surgical treatments for spinal column injury offer the potential to reduce these costs 1,2 . Advances in the medical and surgical treatment of those with spinal column and cord injury have been made; it is anticipated that evolving treatments will allow for optimization of neural recovery and function. Join national and international experts in the fields of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Orthopedic Surgery, and Neurosurgery as we explore current and future direction in the treatment of these devastating diseases. The educational gap will be addressed by demonstrating latest paradigms and interventions for traumatic injuries of the spinal column and cord and the value afforded by medical treatment and surgical intervention. The topics chosen for this course are based on needs assessment from previous national meetings and review of current literature. At national, local, and institutional levels, there is recognition that spinal column and cord injury are a devastating occurrence; medical and surgical advances offer the possibility of neural recovery. A multidisciplinary approach, spanning from the bedside to the operating room, from the laboratory to the rehabilitation hospital provides cutting edge care in 2020 and beyond.

1. Identify past and current strategies utilized to aid in recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI)
2. Discuss neuroplasticity after human spinal cord injury
3. Describe neuroprotective strategies for spinal cord injury, including the benefits of modest hypothermia
4. Identify cell transplantation strategies including stem cells/Schwann cells for SCI
5. Describe the challenges of peripheral nerve repair with long segment defects and the role of autologous Schwann cell transplantation
6. Describe treatment strategies and outcomes for the treatment of type II odontoid fractures in various patient populations
7. Identify applications of basic and clinical research to surgical treatment of spinal cord injured patients
8. Discuss the key roles for serotonin and BDNF following exposure to intermittent hypoxia in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury

 

This activity has been postponed due to the COVID-19 virus. Additional details will be posted once they become available.

The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (6.50 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (6.50 hours)