The third biannual Meeting of the International Research Society of Spinal Deformities was held on 26-30 May 2000, at the Château du Marand, in Clermont Ferrand, France.

In a retrospective evaluation of the development of the activities of the Society during the six years that have elapsed since its formation, it is easy to identify the growing interest and appreciation of our Meetings. This is evidenced not only by the steadily increasing number of participants but also by the large variety and the scientific rigor of the presented papers. The fact that the research results presented have gone in diverging but eventually reciprocally inclining directions, is in line with the objective of the Society “to provide a forum for presentation and encouragement of research relating to spinal deformity and to disseminate the results of such research” with the aim of rendering maximal degree of benefit for the child with spine deformity.

Seventy-nine oral presentations, three key-note lectures, two debates and numerous poster exhibitions, covering every aspect related to spinal deformities, given by young researchers as well as by internationally well reputed scientists, and the – sometimes feverish – discussions that followed, prove the intensity and the high quality of research on the issue under study. In the presented reports of current research, the spinal deformity has been meticulously analysed from biological, physiological and biomechanical points of view with the target of establishing improved methods for diagnosis and prognosis and of achieving optimal methods for conservative and operative treatment of the patient.

The rich sources for new multifacetted knowledge and the opportunity for exchange of opinions, provided during the days of the Meeting, have contributed to a better understanding of the difficulties in deciphering the intricate mechanisms of the causation and the development of spinal deformities and of the efforts needed to develop improved methods for treatment. The problems are, however, complex in their nature, and as relevant knowledge never comes to end “…γρασκω δ α1∊1 πολλαομ∊νος”[1] Therefore, new research data are required and are expected from our forthcoming Meetings.

The publication of the Proceedings of the Meeting in the form of a “book” as a complement to the journal system is not only useful for didactic and reference purposes, but also for the introduction and promotion of large-scale programme results and far-reaching new ideas (E.H. Fredriksson); hence the volume at hand will provide the possibility of further study and evaluation of the scientific material in addition to innovative concepts in related fields of research as well as new approaches for restraining the progression, for treatment and, in the long term, for the prevention of the thoracospinal deformity.

Last, but not least, the beautiful rural countryside of the Chateau du Marand, the well-known French hospitality, La cuisine Francaise , the abundance of selected local wines and the banquet on the Puy de Dome with the magnificent panoramic view (which we missedthat misty and windy evening!), have all contributed to creating intellectual and social bonds between active participants and members of our Society.

Thanks to the commitment and hard work of the organising Committee, under the keen leadership of Bernard Peuchot and Alain Tanguy, the third Meeting of the International Research Society of Spinal Deformities was, in every respect, a most successful one.

John A. Sevastik Stockholm, February 2002

[1] “… the older I grow the more I learn” Solon, 640-558 BC; one of the Seven Sages of Greece.