AO Sports North America
James Stannard, Mauricio Kfuri, and Yves Acklin discuss the AO Sports initiative, including its background and recent educational offerings.
In-person events
AO Sports NA Course—Advanced Techniques in Shoulder Arthroscopy: Arthroscopic Lower Trapezius Transfer and Glenoid Bony Reconstruction
Date: October 31, 2026
This advanced level course provides an in-depth exploration of contemporary arthroscopic techniques for the management of complex shoulder pathology and instability, with a particular focus on arthroscopic lower trapezius transfer and glenoid bony reconstruction. Designed for shoulder surgeons seeking to expand their advanced arthroscopic skill set, the course integrates current clinical concepts with detailed surgical technique and practical application.
Venue: Raynham, MA
AO Sports NA Course—Principles of Sports Medicine: The Joint Is an Organ
Date: February 19 - 20, 2027
This two-day course introduces the principles of sports injuries through a variety of interactive educational modalities. Using arthroscopic simulations and practical exercises, 3D-animated tours, and case discussions, this course addresses all fundamental aspects of sports medicine, from anatomy and biomechanics to principles of arthroscopy, fixation strategies, and rehabilitation protocols. Modules and small-group discussions will be moderated by world-renowned expert faculty, and participants will have the opportunity to interact and discuss cases with them. This course is the stepping-stone to AO Sports Advanced and Masters courses.
Venue: Redondo Beach, CA
AO Sports NA Advanced Course - Knee Injuries and Deformities
Date: April 1 - 3, 2027
This course reviews the core principles, demonstrates the latest techniques, and explores the best practices in the management of a variety of knee disorders. The course includes case-based lectures, interactive sessions, and a hands-on experience with synthetic models that reproduce very closely the anatomy of the knee. The sessions will be moderated by experts in the field presenting the best current evidence related to each topic of the course. This course runs 2 ½ days, from Thursday morning to Saturday noon time, and covers the anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, posterolateral and posteromedial corner reconstructions, meniscus repair, and the rationale of preoperative planning for deformity correction around the knee.
Venue: San Antonio, TX
AO Sports NA Course—Principles of Sports Medicine: The Joint Is an Organ
Date: August 6 - 7, 2027
This two-day course introduces the principles of sports injuries through a variety of interactive educational modalities. Using arthroscopic simulations and practical exercises, 3D-animated tours, and case discussions, this course addresses all fundamental aspects of sports medicine, from anatomy and biomechanics to principles of arthroscopy, fixation strategies, and rehabilitation protocols. Modules and small-group discussions will be moderated by world-renowned expert faculty, and participants will have the opportunity to interact and discuss cases with them. This course is the stepping-stone to AO Sports Advanced and Masters courses.
Venue: Boston, MA
AO Sports NA Advanced Course Shoulder - Advanced Management of Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Instability
Date: August 13 - 14, 2027
This course addresses current evidence and techniques for the management of challenging sports and soft-tissue pathologies causing shoulder stiffness, pain, weakness, and instability. Small group discussions are moderated by expert faculty and selected arthroscopic and open procedures are performed in the anatomy lab.
Venue: Boston, MA
AO NA and Boston Shoulder Institute Masters Course—Shoulder Tendon Transfers, Rotator Cuff Repairs
Date: October 29 - 31, 2027
This course is in collaboration with the Boston Shoulder Institute. This course addresses current evidence-based techniques for shoulder tendon transfer, complex rotator cuff repair, diagnosis and management of STAM (Scapulo-Thoracic Abnormal Motion). Didactic lectures and small group discussions are moderated by expert faculty and open procedures are performed in the anatomy lab.
Venue: Boston, MA