AO Spine Course—Deformity: Advanced Techniques and Complex Cases

This two-day, interactive course covers advanced techniques for managing complex spinal deformity in adult and pediatric patients. It provides advanced training to apply knowledge and technical skills, focusing on complex cases in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, adult IS, de novo scoliosis, sagittal and combined deformities, revision in adults, and high grade spondylolisthesis.

This course provides advanced training through interactive format:

Online pre-learning modules, which deliver state-of-the-art knowledge by world leading experts in spinal deformity management
Interactive classroom learning is delivered through case-based learning and reflection with expert faculty
Hands-on practical exercises using real implants and 3D bone models with real deformities. In selected courses, also human anatomical specimens will be used for some workstations.

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Why you should choose this course

Course content

Online pre-learning
Topics covered:

Clinical evaluation of patients with adult deformity

Principles of sagittal alignment and compensatory mechanisms

PCO technique

Determination of instrumentation levels in AIS

The Lenke AdIS classification and its application to surgical planning

PSO technique in the lumbar spine

The Roussouly classification and its application to treatment of patients with deformity

Imaging evaluation in adult deformity

PSO technique in the thoracic spine

Iliosacral fixation

Guide for surgical planning

Frailty and surgical risk and outcomes in adult deformity

PVCR technique
Course modules
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis – advanced skills

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM)

Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adult Spine Deformity: Sagittal and Coronal Balance

High-Grade Spondylolisthesis

Anterior surgery in adult deformity*

Scheuermann’s kyphosis*

Navigation in deformity surgery*

Sagittal deformities of the cervical spine*

*only in selected courses-please check the final course program
Case-based discussions
*Analyse real-world clinical cases to enhance clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills. These discussions foster collaboration among participants and faculty and provide expert guidance while connecting theoretical insights with practical, hands-on applications.

Severe kyphoscoliotic scoliosis (PVCR case)

Revision problems in sagittal imbalance in patients with a fused spine

High grade isthmic spondylolisthesis
Case-based exercises
*Activity where participants are given specific tasks or clinical challenges to solve. It promotes active learning by requiring applying theoretical knowledge and practical experience to real-world cases, with expert feedback guiding their approach.

Selective Thoracic Fusion in Lenke 3C pattern

Distal instrumented level in Lenke 3 patterns

Neuromonitoring game “Losing the signals”

Treatment of idiopathic scoliosis in a young adult (>35) patient

Treatment of idiopathic scoliosis in elderly adult

Use of electronic tools and “flight plan” template to prepare and predict surgical outcomes

*Only in selected courses-please check the final course program
Lectures
Criteria for successful selective thoracic fusion in Lenke 3C pattern

Criteria to select L4 vs L3 in Lenke 3 patterns

PVCR: When it is needed, what are the alternatives, and how to perform it safely

IONM: Intraoperative alerts: What is an alert, how to address it.

Application of the AdIS classification: Selection of fusion levels based on standing and supine full-spine radiographs

Lower lumbar versus sacropelvic distal fixation in AdIS

Alignment drivers of outcomes in ASD with imbalance

Surgical options in operated deformity with residual imbalance

Indications for reduction in high grade isthmic spondylolisthesis
Practical exercises - Spine Skills Lab
Skills Lab 1: Posterior vertebral column resection for severe thoracic deformity

Posterior fixation with pedicle screws T2 to T8 using anatomical references,

Step by step posterior vertebrectomy,

correction of the deformity with temporary rods and

vertebral body replacement cage

Skills Lab 2: Correction of coronal and sagittal imbalance in the fused lumbar spine.

Posterior fixation with pedicle screws T11 to S1 using anatomical references,

Iliac fixation (Iliac and S2I screws),

Pedicle subtraction osteotomy in the lumbar spine,

Fine tuning of correction in the coronal and sagittal planes using rod contouring, domino technique and kickstand rods.

Skills lab 3 – Anterior surgery*

Skills lab 4 – Scheuermann’s kyphosis*

Skills lab 5 – Navigation in deformity surgery*

Skills lab 6 – Sagittal deformities of the cervical spine*

*Only in selected courses, please check your program

Target audience

Spine surgeons who treat deformity cases and who face more complex cases
Surgeons who want to update their treatment of complex idiopathic and adult deformity.
It is also suitable for surgeons who have attended the “Deformity: Key Concepts and Techniques” course and/or Global Spine Diploma and want to increase their knowledge and skills.

Competencies

Perform a history, clinical, and physical examination in complex cases in adults and pediatric patients with deformity
Order and interpret imaging and investigations to classify complex pathologies and deformities
Plan surgical correction appropriate for complex and revision cases, and recognize the benefit of preoperative medical optimization
Perform correction maneuvers for severe curves, sagittal imbalance, and revision surgery (multirod constructs, sacropelvic fixation, osteotomies, etc)
Avoid and manage complications, including PJK prevention strategies and managing late rod complications
Recognize the role of emerging technologies such as augmentation and biologics and latest research findings and evidence in clinical practice

What does competency-based curriculum development mean?

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