Spinal Training Interface Group (STIG) 

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Introduction

Niall Eames MD FRCS Tr Orth - Consultant Spinal Surgeon
UK Spinal Training Interface Group project lead

 

Spinal surgery has evolved significantly in the UK over the last 70 years, into a subspecialty in its own right. The establishment of Regional Spinal Networks across the country is part of the wider changes happening within the NHS, mirroring the setting up of trauma and cancer networks, all of which are aimed at improving patient care.

Training is central to any profession. To be successful, training must be of the best standard possible. Standardisation of curricula reduces variation in clinical practice. The Interface Training Group model provides the opportunity for curriculum based training between two specialities providing overlapping clinical care.

Neurosurgery and Orthopaedic surgery have come together to put forward a proposal for a Spinal Training Interface Group. Both specialities treat spinal conditions. Neurosurgeons are expert on skull base and intradural work. Orthopaedic surgeons understand bone biology and instrumentation at a high level. The amalgamation of both specialities is a natural progression to advance the training of future spinal surgeons in the UK and Ireland.

This proposal is the combined work of the neurosurgical and orthopaedic spinal communities in the UK. As such, it represents our view of the way forward for training in spinal surgery in the UK and has the backing of our combined societies and professional bodies.

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