Introduction: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the outcome of multiple spinal operations by an expert spinal surgeon HV Crock.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 169 patients who had multiple spinal surgery including spinal Fusion and spinal decompression was undertaken. A special Questionnaire form was designed and sent to each patient to answer with an appointment for the patient to be seen and assessed in the spinal assessment clinic where data from the questionnaire, clinical notes and thorough clinical examinations were recorded in a spinal data base which covered the following sections:

Patients Symptoms

Results:

– 76 patients 66% of the patients who replied “were satisfied” with the surgery.

There were no significant post-operative neurogenic complications, such as cauada equina syndrome or severe leg weakness interfering with standing and walking retirement. There was always a temporary relief followed by deterioration of symptoms after a period ranging between 1–2 years.

Conclusions: Overall, patients with failed back syndrome need to be evaluated and treated in a multidisciplinary setting, where a group of Health Care Professionals from various fields, such as Physiotherapy, Pain Management and Clinical Psychologist work together, towards the common goal for the benefit of the patient

In this lecture, a summary of Ron Beetham’s life was presented, focused on the pivotal roles he played in the foundation of the Facet Club, (later to become the Spine Society of Australia), I.S.S.L.S. and on his contribution to orthopaedic education in Asia. Reflections based on 50 years in spinal surgery were presented, dealing with the highs and lows of this fast-evolving specialty. Unresolved aspects of disc pathology and spinal cord injury will be discussed.

* The Ron Beetham Memorial Lecture is an eponymous lecture for inclusion in the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Spine Society of Australia. (William) Ron Beetham (1925–2003) was a co-founder of the Facet Club in 1970. The Facet Club was the predecessor to the Spine Society of Australia which came into being in 1990. Ron Beetham was a notable spinal orthopaedic surgeon and humanitarian who practiced in Ballarat and was a major contributor to spinal surgery in Australia and overseas.

This lecture is to honour a founder of what has become the Spine Society of Australia and the eponymous lecture should make some historical reference to this effect. The Ron Beetham Memorial Lecturer will be selected by the Executive at its final meeting of the calendar year and invited by the President to give a half hour dissertation on a topic of mutual agreement between the President and the invited lecturer. The topic may be wide ranging and not necessarily confined to the science and practice of spinal surgery. The lecture will be delivered at the Annual Scientific Meeting following selection of the lecturer and subject to agreement. The occasion is marked by a presentation of an award.