SICOT e-Newsletter
Issue No. 70 - October 2014
Articles by SICOT Members
AfricaSpine, a new star is bornThami Benzakour
SICOT Active Member - Casablanca, Morocco
Since last year, many contacts have occurred among several African spine surgeons. The aim was to create a specialised association for sharing knowledge and experience in spine pathologies which can leave patients on the African continent seriously handicapped.
This appeared to be an urgent necessity due to the numerous spine issues, diseases, deformities and infections. In addition, another motivation was the frequent spine traumas mainly resulting from the high rate of road traffic injuries and the lack of important spine centres.
Last June, in Agadir, upon invitation of the Moroccan Spine Society (SMCR), a founding Assembly gathering 12 African countries created 'AfricaSpine', the Africa Spine Surgery Society. Thami Benzakour was elected Chairman for two years.
Other SICOT members in its Board are Fred Otsyeno (Vice President) and Mâhamed Chliyah (Secretary General).
AfricaSpine Board
The first AfricaSpine meeting was held from 13 to 14 June 2014 with very interesting topics on spine deformities, infections, trauma, tumours and degenerative lesions.
On the agenda for 2015 we have the 2nd AfricaSpine meeting in Tunisia (12-13 June).
In cooperation with AfricaSpine, MaghrebSpine, and the Moroccan Spine Society, an important event will be organised by the SRS (Scoliosis Research Society) which is the Worldwide Advanced Scoliosis Course in Marrakech, Morocco, on 4-5 December 2015.
African and other spine surgeons are all most welcome to join and support us.
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This appeared to be an urgent necessity due to the numerous spine issues, diseases, deformities and infections. In addition, another motivation was the frequent spine traumas mainly resulting from the high rate of road traffic injuries and the lack of important spine centres.
Last June, in Agadir, upon invitation of the Moroccan Spine Society (SMCR), a founding Assembly gathering 12 African countries created 'AfricaSpine', the Africa Spine Surgery Society. Thami Benzakour was elected Chairman for two years.
Other SICOT members in its Board are Fred Otsyeno (Vice President) and Mâhamed Chliyah (Secretary General).
AfricaSpine Board
The first AfricaSpine meeting was held from 13 to 14 June 2014 with very interesting topics on spine deformities, infections, trauma, tumours and degenerative lesions.
On the agenda for 2015 we have the 2nd AfricaSpine meeting in Tunisia (12-13 June).
In cooperation with AfricaSpine, MaghrebSpine, and the Moroccan Spine Society, an important event will be organised by the SRS (Scoliosis Research Society) which is the Worldwide Advanced Scoliosis Course in Marrakech, Morocco, on 4-5 December 2015.
African and other spine surgeons are all most welcome to join and support us.
 Â