ISASS Celebrates 25 Years in April

The International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS) is taking a reflective look back at the beginnings of the society as well as its future as it celebrates its 25th anniversary during the 2025 annual conference. This year’s meeting is taking place in Miami Beach, Florida, April 10-12, 2025.  

Morgan Lorio, M.D., ISASS President, U.S. and Matthew Scott-Young, M.D., ISASS President, International, spoke with Orthopedics This Week about what makes ISASS’s annual conference so unique.

“The ISASS Annual Conference is unique due to its global scope and commitment to cutting-edge spine surgery advancements. It brings together diverse spine surgery professionals, including surgeons, allied health professionals, and scientists, to exchange knowledge and ideas,” Lorio said.

“The conference emphasizes both non-operative and surgical innovations, with a robust agenda that includes scientific lectures, technology updates, workshops, and panel discussions with experts from around the world. This global convergence allows for a rich exchange of international insights and practices not typically found in more regionally focused conferences.”

Scott-Young added that ISASS is much more than an annual conference.

“Through its journal the International Journal of Spine Surgery (IJSS), educational webinars, website offerings, and policy and advocacy initiatives, ISASS serves as a platform for the exchange of experience, ideas, and evidence regarding technologies, procedures, and modalities for the diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions,” he explained.

‘Our 25th anniversary is an important milestone. We feel it’s truly important to reflect on where we started. ISASS was born from the Spine Arthroplasty Society, a group dedicated to keeping spines in motion. While we’ve expanded over the years to embrace a broad range of innovations in spine surgery—biologics, robotics, AI [artificial intelligence]—we must always remember our historical roots,” he told OTW.

“Motion preservation was the foundation of this society, and it remains a driving force today. The future of spine surgery isn’t just about replacing what’s broken—it’s about preserving and restoring natural function. That’s the legacy of ISASS, and it’s what will continue to shape the next 25 years of spine care.”

Notable speakers at this year’s annual meeting will include Drs. David Polly, Matthew Gornet, Stephen Hochschuler, Karin Büttner-Janz, Steven Garfin, and Rudolph Bertagnoli. Many renowned surgeons from all around the world will be sharing their research, insights, and knowledge.

During the conference, the authors of the highest-ranking abstracts or papers will be recognized and given opportunity to present their research in a special section of the conference.  The top articles from IJSS will also be recognized and presented by their authors.

ISASS Distinguished Service Awards will be given to recognize individuals who have shown extraordinary service to ISASS and the broader spine surgery community. 

“The ISASS Conference and Program Committees work very hard to ensure the agenda is jam packed with valuable content. The 2025 Conference is set to cover a diverse and cutting-edge range of topics in spine surgery, showcasing the latest surgical advancements and tackling some of the most pressing challenges in the field. The program kicks off with discussions on new and emerging technologies, including the roles of virtual and augmented reality in training and patient consultations, the integration of artificial intelligence in surgical procedures, the latest developments in robotic spine surgery, and the continued surge of minimally invasive and endoscopic spine procedures. Highlights will also include the customization of constructs with patient-specific implants and the pioneering efforts in tissue engineering and wearable technologies for enhanced recovery and monitoring,” Scott-Young said.

Some of the sessions topics include:

• Implications of non-specialists performing spine surgeries and the hurdles posed by insurance in the preauthorization and denial of claims.
• Innovations in spinal and SI joint fusion technologies, including both MIS and open surgical techniques, the use of robotics and other enabling technologies.
• Outpatient spine surgery, with an emphasis on transitioning surgical practices to ambulatory settings, patient selection criteria, safety, economics, and leveraging new technologies to optimize outpatient care.
• A look back on the society’s over a quarter-century journey of motion-preserving innovation and a look forward to the future of the field.

A unique feature of the conference includes a series of debates that promise to engage attendees in discussions over preferred surgical techniques and the evolving nature of spine surgery practices. This program is designed not only to educate, but also to foster discussion and debate on the future directions and ethical considerations in spine surgery.

The Exhibitors’ Hall

The Exhibitors’ Hall will feature a range of companies showcasing the latest in spinal implants, biologics, and enabling technologies.

A complete list of exhibitors will be available on the conference app and website closer to the event date. Check back here.

On how to get the most out of the conference, Lorio and Scott-Young advised:

Plan: Review the agenda in advance and prioritize sessions that align with your interests and professional needs. Utilize the ISASS conference app to schedule and receive reminders.

Network Actively: Engage with other healthcare professionals and industry leaders during breaks, social events, and specific networking sessions. Exchange contact information and consider follow-ups post-conference.

Engage with Exhibitors: Spend time in the Exhibitors’ Hall to learn about the latest tools and technologies in spine surgery. Ask for demonstrations and collect information on products that could enhance your practice. Every company on the floor has a value proposition that can enhance surgical procedures and impact patient outcomes. 

Participate in Discussions: Attend live Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and sponsored workshops to engage with speakers and experts actively. Share your insights and learn from peers.

Follow-up: After the conference, review notes and materials collected during sessions and follow up on connections made to foster ongoing professional relationships. And let ISASS know what you liked about the conference, and what you’d like to see in future conferences.  For more information, visit isass.org.