Dr Fabio Zaina

27/07/2025

"Se si desidera davvero qualcosa e si lotta per averla, neanche una difficoltà come la nostra ci può fermare e siamo esattamente come tutti gli altri”. Quando l’abbiamo conosciuta, nel 2020, la genovese Giulia Bonzano affrontava con coraggio la sua scoliosi: corsetto per 18 ore al giorno, fisioterapia quotidiana… il tutto senza mai smettere di inseguire la sua passione per il judo!
Oggi celebriamo il suo straordinario traguardo: medaglia di bronzo ai Campionati Europei U18 a Skopje qualche giorno fa!
Un risultato che ci emoziona e ci ricorda quanto la determinazione possa trasformare ogni ostacolo in un punto di forza.
Bravissima Giulia, campionessa sul tatami e nella vita.
Le facciamo in bocca al lupo per i prossimi Campionati Mondiali Under 18 di fine agosto!

10/07/2025

Siamo felici di condividere il nostro ultimo studio: “Determinanti geografici, personali e clinici del tempo di utilizzo del corsetto negli adolescenti con scoliosi idiopatica.”

full text: https://rdcu.be/evfcJ

Abbiamo analizzato 1.904 pazienti trattati in centri specializzati in tutta Italia, scoprendo che età giovane (sotto i 14 anni), genere femminile, prescrizioni di maggiore durata e uso di corsetti più corti (LSO) favoriscono una migliore adesione.
Fattori geografici e culturali influenzano l’adesione: i pazienti del Nord e Centro Italia mostrano maggiore compliance rispetto al Sud, suggerendo che stile di vita e contesto culturale sono rilevanti oltre al clima.
Nessun impatto significativo invece da vicinanza al mare o dimensione del paese.
Il nostro studio sottolinea quanto l’adesione sia influenzata da fattori clinici ma anche psicologici e sociali, compreso l’approccio del medico durante la prima visita.
Supporto personalizzato e interventi mirati sono fondamentali per migliorare l’aderenza e i risultati nel trattamento della scoliosi.

We’re excited to share our latest research: “Geographic, Personal and Clinical Determinants of Brace-Wearing Time in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis.”
Involving 1,904 patients treated at specialised centres across Italy, we found that younger age (especially under 14), female gender, longer prescribed wearing hours, and use of shorter braces are linked to better adherence.
Geographic and cultural factors also play a role — patients from Northern and Central Italy showed higher compliance than those from the South, suggesting that lifestyle and cultural background matter beyond just climate.
Proximity to the seaside or town size didn’t significantly affect brace-wearing behaviour.
Our findings highlight that adherence is influenced by a range of clinical, psychological, and social factors, including the clinician’s initial approach.
Tailored patient support and targeted interventions are key to improving adherence and outcomes in scoliosis treatment.

08/07/2025

Our new paper!

Adult scoliosis often leads to pain and reduced quality of life. A recent study investigated the use of custom-made night-time braces, showing promising results: significant pain reduction in patients with severe scoliosis and chronic pain, similar to daytime prefabricated braces.

This approach may improve tolerance and compliance, especially in younger patients who struggle with wearing braces during the day. While further research is needed, night-time bracing opens new perspectives for conservative treatment of adult scoliosis.

Full text: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/13/4493

La scoliosi in età adulta spesso causa dolore e riduzione della qualità della vita. Uno studio recente ha esplorato l’uso di corsetti su misura da indossare solo durante la notte, ottenendo risultati promettenti: una significativa riduzione del dolore in pazienti con scoliosi grave e dolore cronico, paragonabile all’uso di corsetti diurni prefabbricati.

Questo approccio potrebbe migliorare la tolleranza e la compliance, specialmente nei pazienti più giovani che faticano a sostenere l’uso quotidiano di un corsetto. Sebbene siano necessari ulteriori studi per confermare questi risultati, il corsetto notturno apre nuove prospettive per il trattamento conservativo della scoliosi adulta.

Testo integrale: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/13/4493

28/06/2025

It was an incredible experience and achievement to earn my PhD and defend my thesis about Adult Scoliosis at Universiteit Utrecht a few weeks ago.

It is my pleasure and honour to thank and acknowledge all the people involved in the realisation of this thesis. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to Prof. René Castelein, who gave me the opportunity to work on this project, and to Tom Schlösser and Prof. Moyo Kruyt for their valuable support throughout the process.
A special thanks goes to my mentor and Director, Prof. Stefano Negrini, who introduced me to scoliosis and helped me understand the significant contribution a well-trained physician can make to the health of patients in this specialised field of rehabilitation.
My arrival at ISICO, where I have spent my entire career, was greatly welcomed by Alberto Negrini and Michele Romano, who always made me feel at home. The wonderful atmosphere and spirit of collaboration at ISICO benefit immensely from the presence of many dedicated people, among whom I would like to especially thank Monia Lusini, Lorenza Vallini, Gisa Orrù, Miriam Neri, Enrica Cignatta, and Gaby Engelhorn. I also want to thank the rest of the ISICO team, past and present, spread throughout Italy.
A heartfelt thank you to Sabrina Donzelli, with whom I have shared a significant part of my career and professional life, research, education, clinical practice, and travel included.
I am also grateful to all the co-authors who contributed to the specific research included in this thesis: Salvatore Atanasio, Tito Bassani, Antonio Caronni, Claudio Cordani, Francesca Di Felice, Irene Ferrario, Rose Mirenzi, Jeb McAviney, Alessandra Negrini, Francesco Negrini, Maria Gabriella Negrini, Silvana Parzini, Martina Poggio, Carmelo Pulici, and Stefano Scarano.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family for their unwavering support, understanding, and encouragement throughout this challenging journey. Their patience and belief in me have been a constant source of strength and motivation.
Finally, I want to acknowledge Alessandra Salimbene, who took care of the editing and printing of this extensive work, providing valuable advice and dedicating a great deal of time to the task.

You can find the video of the defence here: https://lnkd.in/dTWi6X8x

26/06/2025

23/06/2025

The objective of the EUROSPINE webinar "Diagnosed with Scoliosis? What You Need to Know – Understanding Your Spine and Your Strength" is to provide clear, accessible information about idiopathic scoliosis, reduce anxiety surrounding the diagnosis, and empower patients and their families through better understanding.

Key Learning Objectives
✅ Understanding Idiopathic Scoliosis: Explain what idiopathic scoliosis is, how it differs from other types of scoliosis, and why it develops during growth.
✅Recognising the Causes and Risk Factors: Discuss the known and suspected causes of idiopathic scoliosis and the main factors that influence curve progression.
✅Diagnostic Steps After a Scoliosis Diagnosis: Outline the typical diagnostic process, including clinical examination, X-rays, and curve measurement (Cobb angle).
✅Evaluating the Risk of Progression: Describe how age, growth potential, and curve size are used to assess the likelihood of scoliosis worsening over time.
✅Exploring Early Conservative Treatment Options: Introduce the first treatment steps such as observation, scoliosis-specific physiotherapy, and bracing when appropriate.
✅Empowering Patients and Families: Emphasise that scoliosis is manageable and provide strategies to reduce fear and promote a proactive attitude towards care.

Dr Fabio Zaina Physiatrist and Consultant at ISICO Milan, Italy will give his contribution with this topic:

"First Steps in Treatment: Conservative options (observation, physiotherapy, bracing, psychological support) and when they are recommended"

🎯 Register For Free: https://engn-pt.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__kH80T41Q6CfX4JgnTPG5A #/registration

22/06/2025

We’re excited to introduce SCaRES (Scoliosis Caregiver Response and Emotional Scale): a new tool to better support parents of children with idiopathic scoliosis 💬👨‍👩‍👧
SCaRES helps clinicians identify emotional distress and offer tailored support for families.
Because caring for the family means better care for the child. 💙

👇 Read the article: https://rdcu.be/eszKN

Siamo felici di presentarvi SCaRES: un nuovo strumento per supportare i genitori di bambini con scoliosi idiopatica 💬👨‍👩‍👧
SCaRES aiuta i clinici a riconoscere il disagio emotivo e offrire un supporto su misura.
Perché prendersi cura della famiglia significa curare meglio anche il bambino. 💙

👇 Ecco l'articolo completo: https://rdcu.be/eszKN

06/06/2025

📢 The 2025 SIMFER National Update Course will be a key event for physiatrists, therapists, and rehab professionals.
Topics include advanced technologies, assistive devices, AI, robotics, and the new National Tariff List.
A round table will bring together clinicians, policymakers, and patient associations.
🎯 Focus on prescription strategies for complex conditions such as stroke, SCI, and amputations.
🎤 Dr. Fabio Zaina will speak on bracing prescription in adults.
A unique opportunity to stay updated, share experiences, and improve access to the most effective rehabilitation solutions!

📢 Il Corso Nazionale di Aggiornamento SIMFER 2025 sarà un appuntamento fondamentale per fisiatri, terapisti e professionisti della riabilitazione.
Si parlerà di tecnologie avanzate, ausili, AI, robotica e del Nuovo Nomenclatore Tariffario.
Una tavola rotonda coinvolgerà clinici, policy maker e associazioni di pazienti.
🎯 Focus su strategie di prescrizione in condizioni complesse come ictus, mielolesioni e amputazioni.
🎤 Il Dott. Fabio Zaina interverrà sulla prescrizione del corsetto negli adulti.
Un’occasione imperdibile per aggiornarsi, condividere esperienze e migliorare l’accesso alle soluzioni riabilitative più efficaci!

















🇬🇧 Hashtag inglesi (15):

29/05/2025

Safe travels, Margareta.

We have lost an extraordinary person, an example of humanity, intelligence, and integrity.
I got to know you thanks to the EDISC project, which you created, and from the very first moment. I was struck by your ability to follow every discussion, grasping each participant’s input and weaving it into brilliant and constructive summaries.
You achieved what once seemed impossible in our field — spinal care — a world dominated by men and surgeons. Yet you, a woman and a physiotherapist, led some of the most important scientific societies through your contributions and example.
ISSLS, Eurospine, and even the WHO owe you so much.

I want to remember you with this photo, taken at Eurospine 2024 in Vienna, when you received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Your speech deeply moved me — it was a powerful call to greater commitment and professional growth, in an effort to follow your example.
A lesson in humility and strength, concluded with a touch of self-irony — that rare quality found only in truly brilliant and free minds.

18/05/2025

ISSLS 2025
A great and inspiring meeting, a chance to meet the best spine scientifists and many friends.









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07/05/2025

It has been a leasure to host Dr Astrid Vermeersch, physiatrist from Belgium and student at the ISICO online Master Course.

Great time and experience together!



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01/05/2025

ISICO treats all spinal disorders, from scoliosis to low back pain and neck pain, using non-surgical rehabilitative treatments.

ISICO stands out for its cutting-edge healthcare model, not only in daily clinical practice but also through its ongoing commitment to research, education, and the use of new technologies.
This means promoting a scientifically based, highly specialized approach to spinal conditions, both within its own centers and by acting as a "bridge" between local healthcare facilities, research institutions, and businesses.
A common thread in ISICO's approach is the attention given to the individual.

Would you like a more formal or more concise version as well?

ISICO cura tutte le patologie della colonna vertebrale, dalla scoliosi alla lombalgia e cervicalgia, con trattamenti riabilitativi non chirurgici.

ISICO si distingue per un modello di sanità all’avanguardia non solo nella quotidiana attività clinica ma anche per lo sforzo costante nella ricerca e formazione e per l'uso delle nuove tecnologie.
Questo significa favorire un approccio su basi scientifiche, ad alta specializzazione, per le patologie vertebrali sia all'interno dei propri centri sia ponendosi come "ponte" di collegamento fra le strutture del territorio e il mondo della ricerca e delle imprese. Tratto comune nell’approccio di Isico è l’attenzione posta alla persona.