Q&A on Cervical Deformity: Indications for Combined Anterior and Posterior Approaches for Deformity

In this interview, Dr. John Shin, Kingdon-Saylor Family Endowed Chair in Spine Neurosurgery, Director, Spine Oncology & Spinal Deformity Surgery, & Director, Mass General Spine Neurosurgery Network talks about his cervical deformity course, which addresses the indications for combined anterior and posterior approaches for deformity, and was presented at the 2022 AANS conference. 

Dr. Shin specializes in complex spinal reconstruction surgery and is an internationally recognized leader in spine surgery. He treats the full spectrum of complex spinal disorders and has particular expertise in the treatment of cervical and lumbar spine deformities and spine tumor surgery (chordoma, metastatic cancer). He trained in neurosurgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed a combined neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. He has developed clinical and research programs in spinal deformity and spine oncology, introducing novel surgical techniques, fostering multi-disciplinary collaborations, and developing regional spine surgery programs at network affiliates. In 2021, Dr. Shin launched the augmented reality spine surgery program at the MGH, the first in the region and in New England. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Shin oversees research endeavors in the Spine Hub for Innovation and Neuro-Informatics, bringing together experts in data science, artificial intelligence, biomechanical engineering, laboratory investigation, clinical trials, and spine outcomes research. Dr. Shin has been recognized by the Harvard Medical School and MGH for mentoring and clinical excellence, with nominations for the Brian A. He currently serves on the Executive and Scientific Planning Committees and is Co-Chair of the Media Committee of the AANS/CNS Spine Section.