The interview

Silvia Morini, Luxembourg

Where do you come from?

My name is Silvia Morini. I am originally from Italy, but I currently live and work in Luxembourg.

What is your profession?

I am a medical specialist in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. My primary focus is on the outpatient rehabilitation of adult patients with various musculoskeletal disorders.

How is the rehabilitation treatment of spine diseases managed in your country?

In Luxembourg, the rehabilitation treatment of spine diseases is managed by specialist rehabilitation doctors. These specialists work either within hospitals or rehabilitation clinics alongside physiotherapists, or they provide services in the community. The treatment approach involves a collaborative effort between doctors and physiotherapists to ensure comprehensive care for patients.

Scoliosis: How is it treated?

Scoliosis treatment in Luxembourg follows the SOSORT (International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment) guidelines. Due to the country's small size and multilingual population, many medical professionals are influenced by French medical practices, and some doctors come from neighbouring countries like France, Belgium, and Germany. For curves exceeding 45 degrees, patients are referred to surgeons, who guide them through the available treatment options based on individual cases.

What aspects of actual clinical practice would you like to see improved in your country?

In my opinion, clinical practice in Luxembourg could benefit from improved interdisciplinary collaboration and communication among healthcare providers. Additionally, incorporating more patient-centered care approaches would enhance the overall quality of treatment for spine diseases.

What do you believe you can learn from this course, and how can you use the new concepts in your regular clinical work?

I believe this course will provide me with a broader understanding of scoliosis management and the latest advancements in the field. Learning from leading experts and their experiences will help me apply new concepts and techniques in my clinical practice, especially when managing adult patients who were treated for scoliosis during adolescence. This deeper knowledge will enhance my confidence and competence in providing comprehensive care.