Symposium #1
Aging spine in Aging Population
Overview
The aging population resulting in an aging of the spine is among the most common reasons for disability. While in 2012 810 million people worldwide (11.5 % of global population) have been 60 years or older this number will increase to 2 billion in 2050 (22 % of global population). The cost of disability associated with low back pain reaches up to 6% GDP in some countries and the elderlies are the most affected ones. Common reasons for spinal disability include spinal canal stenosis with walking disturbance, deformity with chronic low back pain and osteoporosis associated with osteoporotic spine fractures.
Symposium Objective
The objective of the symposium is to demonstrate that the aging population and especially the aging spine represent an enormous global burden. It will demonstrate the impact on how our population, especially the growing elder population is affected and the medical perspective of typical diseases, including treatment options for geriatric spine patients. Finally, the symposium will provide recommendations from the SPINE20 group how to address this growing problem.
Topics Highlights
The symposium will present a concept of the aging population, the associated demography, as well as the causes and potential solutions. The natural history of the aging spine and the three most important disease patterns, like spinal canal stenosis, degenerative lumbar deformity and osteoporotic spine fractures will be outlined. Further, the symposium will provide approaches and treatment options to reduce the burden of the aging spine.
