UPCOMING WEBINAIRS

New Year Open to Professionals 51st Tutorial Session Evaluating growth plays a crucial role in the management of scoliosis. The Cobb angle measured at the beginning of puberty, along with the rate at which the spinal curve progresses, serve as significant indicators for predicting further curve development. When juvenile scoliosis exceeds 30°, the deformity tends to advance swiftly, with surgical intervention becoming inevitable in all cases. The thoracic region's development is considered the spine's fourth dimension. The Risser 0 stage, which encompasses approximately two-thirds of pubertal growth, has proven to be an unreliable marker. Recent research indicates that progression of scoliosis may be positively influenced by supplementation with vitamin D, calcium, and melatonin as part of the treatment strategy.

Dr. José Miguel Gómez, MD, LO, is a licensed orthotist, medical doctor, and professor specializing in clinical and biomechanical approaches to spinal deformities. He developed the Gomez Orthotic Spine System (GOSS), which evaluates three-plane global and segmental alignment using CAD-CAM technologies and a customized algorithm.
Dr. Gómez completed his medical degree at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia, followed by orthotics training and residency in Minnesota. He is Founder and Scientific Director of Laboratorio Gilete in Bogotá, and Founder and President of Gomez Orthotic Systems in Saint Petersburg, Florida. He also teaches spinal orthotics at Saint Petersburg College and Southwestern University.
With more than 23 years of CAD/CAM experience, Dr. Gómez has integrated 3D printing into orthotic design and received the AAOP Clinical Creativity Award in 2012. In 2023, he and his team developed mobile applications and a treatment-planning algorithm to advance orthotic care for spinal deformities.