Operation Straight Spine: Healing Spines Worldwide

Practical medical and surgical intervention for adults & children with spinal disorders.

There is an extremely high level of musculoskeletal deformity in many developing nations. In children especially, spinal disorders can be a major source of emotional stress and socio-economic hardship. These conditions may worsen over time leading to increased misery, physical disability, and loss of independence. The Spine Education and Research Foundation’s (SERF) goal is to maintain a recognized spinal treatment service in a developing nation for those individuals who could not otherwise afford or have access to such services.

Operation Straight Spine (OSS) was conceived in 2002 by two spinal surgeons with a shared vision to establish a medical aid project for children and adults with spinal disorders. The aim was to create a recognized spinal correction service at an established charity hospital in India. This service provides comprehensive medical and state-of-the-art surgical care to children and adults from socially deprived areas who would not otherwise have access or could not afford such treatment.

OSS offers a holistic approach, both medical and developmental. It provides practical medical and surgical interventions, followed by comprehensive rehabilitation to maximize the recovery process. Follow-up services include outpatient clinics, on-going medical therapies and access to social services to maximize each patient’s ability to become self-sufficient and independent.

Present and planned services include:

• Diagnostic referral process / clinic appointment
• Surgical procedures
• Post-operative rehabilitation program
• Follow-up monthly clinic
• Vocational training and placement scheme
• On-going support and assistance for patients to maximize their personal potential