Wood Forum

On Saturday, November 2, we had the privilege to hear from experts in the field of spine health at the 2024 Wood Forum, Back Matters: Advances in Spine Research. Topics included the latest advancements in spine research, current understanding of spinal disorders, the role of artificial intelligence in spine care, and the impact of exercise on spine health.

Watch the 2024 recording

Spine Issues: Current Knowledge and Future Research

Dr. Ganesh Swamy, MD, PhD

The world of back pain and spinal disorders is bewildering. In this presentation, we will delve into the most current understanding of how common spinal disorders such as back pain, sciatica, and scoliosis develop. Given the many gaps in our knowledge, we will explore how ongoing research can bridge these gaps and one day, lead to new treatments.

Dr. Swamy is a distinguished spine surgeon and clinical assistant professor at the University of Calgary. With over a decade of experience, he has dedicated his career to advancing less-invasive techniques for reconstructing adult spinal deformities. His research primarily focuses on sciatica pain caused by disc herniations and aims to develop a predictive model to identify patients who may require future surgical intervention.

The Shape of Things to Come: The UCalgary Normative Alignment Database

Dr. Fred Nicholls, MD, MA, FRCSC

Dr. Nicholls will discuss the Calgary Normative Spine Database, which is a collection of data that shows what’s considered normal for spine health. He will also explore the projects that have come from this database and explain why that information is so important for understanding and treating spine issues.

Dr. Nicholls is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery, with a focus on complex trauma and spinal deformity. He plays a critical role in educating the next generation of spine surgeons at the University of Calgary, where he serves as the resident education lead and the director of the combined spine fellowship program. Additionally, Dr. Nicholls contributes to international education efforts through AO Spine. His research centers on understanding spinal alignment and optimizing complex surgical care.

Exercise: You Never Know Where it Might Lead

Dr. John McWhae, MD

Dr. McWhae’s presentation will provide a candid account of living with spondyloarthritis and the role of exercise as a primary treatment.

Dr. McWhae, a Calgary ophthalmologist and lifelong athlete, was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis—a type of arthritis causing spinal joint inflammation—at age 35, though he had experienced symptoms since he was 15. Following his diagnosis, Dr. McWhae was unable to ride a bike for 10 years. However, he eventually returned to cycling using a recumbent bike, which reduces joint strain due to its reclined position and helps improve his symptoms.

Artificial Intelligence: Solutions for Spine Disorders

Dr. David Cadotte, MD, PhD

Dr. Cadotte will present a recent example of artificial intelligence research conducted in his laboratory at the University of Calgary. He will then explain a method for using this technology to help patients understand their diagnoses, provide precision medicine predictions, and support the sustainability of a spine program within a public health setting.

Dr. Cadotte is a neurosurgeon and assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosurgery at the University of Calgary. His research on myelopathy aims to improve the quality of life for Albertans affected by this condition through specialized surgical procedures.

Dr. Manny Ester, PhD

Movement for Mobility

Manny Ester is a passionate physical activity researcher and exercise specialist. For over five years, he has been teaching tailored exercise programs for individuals with chronic conditions. His research focuses on helping individuals with inflammatory arthritis, cancer, and other chronic conditions to become and stay physically active.

Dr. Carolyn Hutchison, BSc, MD, MED, FRCS(C), CYT

Chair Yoga for the Spine

Carolyn Hutchison is an orthopaedic surgeon and Professor at the University of Calgary. After completing her first yoga teacher training program, she has enjoyed teaching many paths of yoga for over 13 years. She guides yoga classes accessible for seniors and people managing with arthritis.

Wood Forum History

The Wood Forum is supported through the Wood Joint Research Fund which honours the memories of Dr. John and Mrs. Christena Wood. The forums were designed to enhance public awareness of the causes, consequences and prevention of joint injury and disease, and to provide an opportunity to discuss the latest research findings with leaders in the field. The Wood Research Fund continues this legacy.