IRSSD 2026 Scientific Meeting

Agenda

Day 1

Thursday, 18th of June 2026

  • 15:00-16:30 Optional Pre Tour (prior registration is required)
  • 17:00-19:00 Registration (Congress Center Master of Novi Sad Fair)
  • 17:00-19:00 Welcome Reception Cocktail (Congress Center Master of Novi Sad Fair)

Day 2

Friday, 19th of June 2026

  • 08:00-09:00 Registration (Congress Center Master of Novi Sad Fair)
  • 09:00-09:15 Opening Ceremony
  • 09:15-11:00 First Session
    • 09:15-09:50 Keynote Presentation: Professor René Castelein
      “Understanding Intervertebral Disc Biomechanics and Sagittal Alignment: Implications for Long-Term Scoliosis Treatment Success”
    • 09:50-10:00 Q&A
      Chair: Professor Nachiappan Chockalingam
    • 10:00-10:50 Oral Presentations:
      • Carlotte Kiekens: “Prepare: Personalized Rehabilitation via Novel AI Patient Stratification Strategies – The Case for Idiopathic Scoliosis During Growth”
      • Hui Wing Hei: “Pioneering a Novel Perioperative Physiotherapy Care Model for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) In Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Receiving Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF)”
      • Tony Betts: “Side-Shift Therapy as Translation-Dominant 3D Auto-Correction in AIS: A Clinical-Mathematical Modelling Framework for Stratified PSSE”
      • Alexandros Kastrinis: “Comparative investigation of perceptions between adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis and their parents regarding body image and brace-related stress”
      • Samra Pjanic: “Vertebral Rotation in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is Primarily Curve-Magnitude Driven Rather Than Age-Dependent”

      Chair: Dr. Theodoros B. Grivas

  • 10:50-11:30 Coffee Break
  • 11:30-13:10 Second Session
    • 11:30-11:50 Invited Presentation: Dr. Florina Moldovan
      “Genetics Meets Metabolism: Decoding Their Role in Idiopathic Scoliosis”
    • 11:50-12:10 Invited Presentation: Dr. Theodoros B. Grivas
      “Three-Plane Morphological Remodeling of the Ribcage and Spine in Early-Stage Scoliogenesis in Idiopathic Scoliosis”
    • 12:10-12:20 Q&A
      Chair: Mr. Alexandros Kastrinis
    • 12:20-13:10 Oral Presentations:
      • Wayne Lee: “Integrated Spatial and Single-Nucleus Transcriptomics Uncovers Molecular Drivers of Muscle Fiber Transition: a new player in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis”
      • Florina Moldovan: “Ciliary and Osteogenic Defects as Central Drivers of AIS in Poc5 Mutations Models”
      • Adam Lau: “A Novel Bone Microarchitecture Phenotyping Model for Predicting Curve Progression In Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) At The First Clinical Consultation: A Prospective Longitudinal Study Of 292 AIS Girls Followed Up To Skeletal Maturity”
      • Alexandros Kastrinis: “Sarcopenia and Scoliosis: An Underdiagnosed Interaction in the Aging Population”
      • Tomasz Kotwicki: “Vertebral Body Tethering, A Function-Preserving and Mini-Invasive Procedure – Is it an Alternative to Scoliosis Conservative Treatment?”

      Chair: Dr. Florina Moldovan

  • 13:10-14:30 Lunch Break, Poster Presentations and Trade Exhibition
  • 14:30-16:30 Third Session
    • 14:30-15:05 Keynote Presentation: Professor Stefano Negrini
      “Redefining Conservative Treatment: Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Children with Idiopathic Scoliosis”
    • 15:05-15:15 Q&A
      Chair: Dr. Nikola Jevtić
    • 15:15-16:05 Oral Presentations:
      • Brian Wagner: “Changes In Dynamic Plantar Pressure and Asymmetry in AIS Following PSSE”
      • Filip Lazić: “Upper Thoracic Segmental Acceleration Time Series Analysis of Trunk Control During Sit to Stand in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Single Subject Analysis”
      • Elzbieta Piatek Krzywicka: “Differential Effects of Frontal versus Sagittal Light Touch on Postural Stability in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)”
      • Robert Needham: “The Effect of Walking Speed on Multisegment Spine Coordination in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Single Subject Analysis”
      • Kadriye Tombak: “Prefrontal Cortical Reorganization During Therapeutic Gait in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis”

      Chair: Professor Carl-Éric Aubin

    • 16:05-16:25 Invited Presentation: Dr. Sameh Abolfotouh
      “The role of Artificial intelligence in Adult Spine Deformity Surgeries”
    • 16:25-16:30 Q&A
      Chair: Professor René Castelein
  • 16:30-17:30 PSSE Association Workshop: Building a Global Voice for Conservative Scoliosis Treatment
    • Tuğba Kuru Çolak
    • Andrzej M’hango
    • Garikoitz Aristegui
    • Tony Betts
    • Michele Romano
    • Nikola Jevtić

    Chair: Dr. Avis Leung

  • 20:00-23:00 Gala Dinner “Harmonija Restaurant” (prior registration is required)

Day 3

Saturday, 20th of June 2026

  • 08:00-08:30 Registration (Congress Center Master of Novi Sad Fair)
  • 08:30-10:30 Fourth Session
    • 08:30-09:05 Keynote Presentation: Professor Ashley Cole
      “Bracing Research in Idiopathic Scoliosis”
    • 09:05-09:15 Q&A
      Chair: Dr. Samra Pjanić
    • 09:15-10:05 Oral Presentations:
      • Adam Yiu-Chung Lau: “Full-time Bracing versus Hybrid Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomised Trial”
      • René Castelein: “Quantification of the Three-dimensional Corrective Mechanism in Nighttime Bracing for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis”
      • Marianna Oikonomaki: “Comparison of In-brace Correction, Compliance, and One-year Radiographic Outcomes Between Boston And Scoliosis Brace”
      • Babak Hassan Beygi: “The Effect of Aligning the Direction of Controlling Force to the Plane of Maximum Curvature in Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis”
      • Tomasz Kotwicki: “Assessment of Quality of Life in Patients With Idiopathic Scoliosis Treated With Cheneau Brace Using The Brace Questionnaire”

      Chair: Dr. Goga Ioan Bogdan

    • 10:05-10:25 Invited Presentation: Professor Carl-Éric Aubin
      “From 3D Classification to Physics-Based Modeling to Optimize the Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis”
    • 10:25-10:30 Q&A
      Chair: Dr. Caglar Yilgor
  • 10:30-11:00 Coffee Break
  • 11:00-12:40 Fifth Session
    • 11:00-11:20 Invited Presentation: Professor Adrian Gardner
      “What has surface topography taught us about normality and scoliosis?”
    • 11:20-11:25 Q&A
      Chair: Professor Nachiappan Chockalingam
    • 11:25-12:15 Oral Presentations:
      • Demir Erdem: “Comparison Of 3D Ultrasonography, Surface Topography, and Radiography in Assessing Sagittal Spinal Parameters in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis”
      • Adam Yiu-Chung Lau: “The Potential Application of 3-Dimensional Ultrasound in Predicting Cobb angle of ≥20° in the Scoliosis Screening Pathway”
      • Shawn (Xiaohua) He: “Reliability and Consistency Analysis of Multiple Instruments for Scoliosis Screening in Adolescent Athletes: A Comparative Study of Instrument Accuracy”
      • Xue-Cheng Liu: “Automated Rigo Classification: An Innovative Artificial Intelligence System”
      • Andrew Herman: “Non-Radiographic and Radiographic Predictors of Cobb Angle Progression in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis”

      Chair: Tony Betts

    • 12:15-12:35 Invited Presentation: Dr. Caglar Yilgor
      “Sagittal Plane Considerations for Indirect Growth Modulation with Bracing & Exercises as a Definitive Treatment Method”
    • 12:35-12:40 Q&A
      Chair: Professor Tomasz Kotwicki
  • 12:40-14:00 Lunch Break, Poster Presentations and Trade Exhibition
  • 14:00-15:40 Sixth Session
    • 14:00-14:20 Invited Presentation: Dr. Christian Hülstrunk
      “Beyond the Curve: Mental Health, Quality of Life, and the Psychosomatic Form of Scoliosis in Adolescents”
    • 14:20-14:40 Invited Presentation: Dr. Samra Pjanic
      “Why Some Braces ‘Work’ Beyond Cobb Angle Correction: Hidden Dimensions of Treatment Effect”
    • 14:40-14:50 Q&A
      Chair: Dr. Xue-Cheng Liu
    • 14:50-15:40 Oral Presentations:
      • Carl-Éric Aubin: “Advancing Biomechanically Informed Intraoperative Correction in Lumbar Vertebral Body Tethering”
      • Babak Hassan Beygi: “Does Participation in Group Exercise Lead To Better Outcomes than Individual Exercise in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis Undergoing Orthotic Treatment?”
      • Burçin Akçay: “Back Pain in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Prevalence, Mechanisms and Biopsychosocial Influences”
      • Babak Hassan Beygi: “3D Machine-Stretching versus Exercise-Stretching to Improve Spinal Flexibility for Preparation of Orthotic Treatment to Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial”
      • Nikola Jevtic: “Preliminary Results of the Prevalence of Scoliotic Curves and Gender Distribution in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Meta-Analysis of Untransformed Proportion”

      Chair: Dr. Elzbieta Piatek Krzywicka

  • 15:40-16:00 Closing Remarks
  • 16:00-17:00 Workshop: Dr. Robert Needham “Advanced Analysis and Visualisation for Data-Driven Insights into Gait and Movement in Patients with Spinal Deformities”
    Chair: Dr. Anna Badowska

Day 4

Sunday, 21st of June 2026

  • 09:30-13:30 Optional Post Tour (prior registration is required)

Poster Presentations

  • Xue-Cheng Liu: “Identifying Risk Factors Associated with Providence Bracing Failure”
  • Skaftourou Evangelia: “Correlation of Photogrammetric Trunk Asymmetry Indices (ATSI, POTSI) with Self-Perceived Spinal Appearance in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis”
  • Mayura Kudva: “School-based Screening for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in South Bengaluru, India, for Early Detection and Intervention”
  • Filomeni Armakola: “Management of Neurogenic Bladder in Children following Spinal Injury: A Single-Center Experience”
  • Zane Rožkalne: “Exploring the Lived Experiences of Schroth Method Instructors: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study”
  • Theodosopoulos Vaggelis: “Combined Bracing and Schroth Therapy in a 17-Year-Old With Severe Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Case Study”
  • Ivana Živojinović: “Evaluation of the Application of Exercises According to the Schroth Method in Adult Scoliosis – A Case Study”
  • Fatma Ugur: “The Effect of Trunk Brace Use on Motor and Pulmonary Functions in a Patient With LAMA2-Related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy: A Case Report”
  • Vukašin Vučetić: “Clinical changes in patients with idiopathic scoliosis after one year of Schroth treatment”
  • Nataša Horvat: “Effects of Conservative Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis Using the Schroth Method and Schroth Brace”
  • Isidora Mitrašinović: “Effect of Intensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Based on the Schroth Method – A Case Report”
  • Marina Hadžiahmetović: “Impact of Schroth treatment and 3D Schroth brace on spinal alignment, posture and respiratory function in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: case study”
  • Theodoros B. Grivas: “Sleep Posture, Cervical Mechanics, and Sensorimotor Control: A Tissue-Specific Mechanobiological Gap in Contemporary Models of Non-Specific Neck Pain”
  • Eleni Nomikou: “Is Developmental Coordination Disorder a Risk Factor for Spinal Malalignment?”
  • Danka Ljubojević: “Effectiveness of Schroth Method and Brace in Correcting Adolescent Hyperkyphosis: A Case Report”
  • Jarrett Grunstein: “Integrating Nocturnal Lumbopelvic Mechanics Into Spine Aetiologic Models: A Tissue-Specific Perspective”
  • Maciej Dluski: “The Screw-Torque Pelvic Mechanism as a Primary Biomechanical Trigger for So-Called ‘Idiopathic’ Scoliosis: A Synthesis of 30 Years of Research, FEM Analysis, and Clinical Prevention”
  • Ioannis Soulgiotzis: “Functional Outcomes of Schroth-Based Physiotherapeutic Interventions in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials”
  • Alexandra Nedelusi: “Initial In-Brace Correction in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis: Adjustable Versus Traditional Rigid Braces: A Retrospective Case-Control Study”
  • Erdem Demir: “Effects of Derotational Breathing Exercises on Thoracic Cage Asymmetry in Adolescents with Thoracic Scoliosis”
  • Tony Betts: “Post-Operative Pain Patterns and Trunk Alignment in Patients Following Surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). From Pathway to Patterns: A Consensus-Based Post-Operative Rehabilitation Pathway and Prospective Evaluation”
  • Filomeni Armakola: “Effects of Integrated Music and Occupational Therapy on Motor and Autonomic Function in Children With Neurogenic Scoliosis”
  • Burcin Akcay: “Acute Effect of Physio-Logic® Exercises on Muscle Tone and Stiffness in AIS Patients: A Preliminary Study”
  • Anna Badowska: “The Impact of Surgical Correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Using Posterior Spinal Fusion on Selected Radiological Parameters and Respiratory Function”
  • Nachiappan Chockalingam: “Movement Related Biomechanics in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Review of Reviews”
  • Shawn (Xiahua) He: “Use of Artificial Intelligence in Screening for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Scoping Review”
  • Samra Pjanić: “Impact of a Comprehensive Education Approach and Technological Improvement on Brace Quality and Treatment Outcomes in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Controlled Longitudinal Study”
  • Sefa Yildirim: “Schroth Versus Core Stabilization Exercises for Adolescents Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial”
  • Mladen Milovanović: “Effect of the one year Schroth treatment on respiratory function”
  • Kenneth Guangpu Yang: “Correlating Vitamin D Level With Changes In Volumetric Bone Qualities From Adolescence To Early Adulthood – 6-Year Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study Of 110 Girls With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis”
  • Tatjana Raklinska: “Celiac Disease as a Potential Risk Factor for Scoliosis Development in Adolescents: Clinical Observations from Four Cases”
  • Dominic C. Leung: “Immediate Effect of Postural Alignment Correction on Chest-Wall Expansion and Pulmonary Functions for Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis”
  • Nikola Jevtić: “Treatment of idiopathic scoliosis with corrective exercises: A network meta-analysis”
  • Filomeni Armakola: “Spina Bifida in Greece: A Single-Center Descriptive Study on Surgical Intervention and Rehabilitation Needs in the Paediatric Population, 2020-2025”
  • Annemie Slujiter: “Early Vertebral Rotation before the Adolescent Growth Spurt in Subjects at High-Risk for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis”

  • Olga Shashlykova: “Main Indicators Used to Assess Idiopathic Scoliosis Radiographs: Experience of the Russian Federation and World Experience”

  • Josette Bettany-Saltikov: “Bone Health, Spinal Deformity and Diabetes Is there a Link?  A systematic review” 

*The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the program.