Prof. Defino graduated from the Jundiai Medical School in 1979, and completed his orthopaedic residency in Na Santa Casa Santos with further specialty training in Germany. He then pursued a Masters and a Doctorate in Medicine in Ribeirão Preto. He is currently a Professor at the Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation at Ribeirão Preto Medical School - University of São Paulo. His research interests include treat- ment of spinal traumatic injuries, deformity and tumors.