AO Spine Course—Advanced MISS Techniques
Led by world-renowned faculty, this course is designed to enhance your surgical skills in advanced minimally invasive surgery techniques. Through a highly interactive format—featuring short, evidence-based lectures, case-based discussions with expert faculty, and extensive hands-on practical exercises on human anatomical specimens—you will master state-of-the-art techniques and treatment options. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to hands-on practice, ensuring you gain confidence and proficiency in applying the techniques in real-world scenarios.
Based on the AO Spine MISS Curriculum, this course equips you with the full spectrum of skills, from accurately diagnosing patient conditions to confidently performing advanced procedures.
Why you should choose this course
Top national, regional, and international faculty
2 days in duration
World-class curriculum
Network with colleagues from all over the world
CME credits
Course content
-
Course modules
Online pre-course learning: 2 weeks before the in-person event, participants will have access to short self-study modules, including practical exercises videos
Module 1: Case-based discussions with expert faculty
Module 2: Surgical techniques – step by step discussion on MISS techniques
Module 3: Practical exercises with human anatomical specimens
-
What will you learn?
- Identify the different types of approaches that can be performed in minimally invasive surgery
- Recognize the anatomical structures must be identified before and intraoperatively
- Differentiate approaches for performing direct and indirect decompression
- Diagnose the patient's problem by correlating clinical findings with imaging and workup
- Recognize appropriate indications based on the patient's clinical picture and images, and the surgeon’s MISS skills and experience
- Select the appropriate MISS procedure for the pathology and indication, and recognize when MISS is not the appropriate option
- Correctly configure the technology, operating room and equipment for the procedure.
- Perform MISS fusion procedures (TLIF, LLIF, and ALIF) and apply strategies to optimize arthrodesis
-
Practical exercises – specimen lab
- MISS TLIF
- ALIF
- LLIF (tranpsoas and anterior to psoas)
- Navigation and robotics*
- Endoscopic procedures*
*Only in selected courses. Please check your course program.
Course details may be subject to change. Please check your chosen date and location for the detailed program.
Who is this course for?
- Spine surgeons (orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons) with at least three years of experience in spine surgery.
- Surgeons with some experience in MISS techniques, but not in complex MISS procedures.
- It is also suitable for spine surgeons who have completed the AO Spine Online Course – MISS Spectrum Series.
Competencies
- Diagnose the patient problem correlating the clinical findings with imaging and work up
- Recognize appropriate indications based on your skill set and case experience and outcomes
- Select the appropriate MISS procedure for the pathology and indication, and recognize when MISS is not the appropriate option
- Correctly set up the technology, OR, and the team for the procedure
- Perform selected MISS procedures
- Manage complications and apply a backup plan
- Use MISS techniques for revision surgery
What does competency-based curriculum development mean?
Course impressions
Program contributors:
Cristiano Menezes
Brazil
AO Spine LA Education Chair
Sameh Abolfotouh
UAE
AO Spine MENA Education Chair
Roger Härtl
USA
Chair of the MISS Taskforce