Dr. Ferran Pellisé is a renowned expert in the field of spinal surgery, with over 25 years of experience dedicated to treating spinal pathologies, particularly scoliosis and other deformities. He currently serves as the Head of the Spine Unit at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, as well as the Head of the Spine Research Unit at Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR).
The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) was founded in 1966 in Wisconsin, USA, with a focus on studying scoliosis and its complex surgical treatment. Over the years, the society has expanded its reach to include specialists from around the world, with a mission to ensure excellence and expertise among its members. Dr. Pellisé has been an active member of the SRS for 12 years and was invited to join the Board of Directors as a counselor in 2018. His appointment as secretary marks the first time a European specialist, and non-North American, has held this position, highlighting his global reputation in the field.
In addition to his expertise in surgical treatment for scoliosis and spinal deformities in both children and adults, Dr. Pellisé is also recognized for his role as the founder of the European Spine Study Group (ESSG). Established in 2010 at VHIR, the ESSG aims to gather a select group of European spine surgeons to develop a comprehensive, prospective, multicenter database on spinal deformities in adults. This initiative has brought together top surgical talent from various European hospitals, including Acibadem University Maslak Hospital in Istanbul, Pellegrin University Hospital in Bordeaux, La Paz University Hospital in Madrid, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, and Schultness Klinik in Zurich.
The collaboration between these five centers has resulted in a database of comparable size to that of the 17 most active centers in North America, leading the way in research and advancements in surgical treatment for adult spinal deformities worldwide. The wealth of patient data collected before, during, and after surgeries allows for the application of artificial intelligence solutions and algorithms to gain a more precise understanding of surgical procedures, even before they occur. Patients who consent to participate in these studies often choose to follow up on their involvement for years, providing valuable insights into the origins of potential complications and their prevention, ultimately improving outcomes for complex surgeries performed on fragile, elderly individuals.
Dr. Ferran Pellisé’s contributions to the field of spinal surgery, both through his clinical expertise and research initiatives, have solidified his reputation as a leader in the treatment of spinal deformities. His involvement in prestigious organizations like the SRS and the ESSG underscores his commitment to advancing the field and improving patient outcomes on a global scale.