AO Spine Course—Deformity: Key Concepts and Techniques

This two-day, interactive course covers the key concepts, principles, and techniques for managing spinal deformity in adult and pediatric patients.

Fundamental course for everyone who is interested in deformity management, this course covers:

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
Practical skills lab on customized bone models that feature real deformities.

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Why you should choose this course

Course content

Online pre-learning
Topics covered:

Radiographs and terminology in radiographic assessment of scoliosis

Growth and scoliosis

How to measure radiographs: AIS

Clinical evaluation of pediatric scoliosis including Adams test, shoulder and trunk balance, gender characters, gibbus, curve flexibility

Lenke’s classification of AIS and its application to determination of levels of fusion

Pedicle screw fixation in the thoracic and lumbosacral spine (practical exercise video)

Principles of neuromonitoring for deformity surgery

Hook placement (practical exercise video)

Sacropelvic fixation (practical exercise video)
Course modules
Assessing deformity of the spine

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM)

Selection of fusion levels in Idiopathic Scoliosis and Kyphosis

Degenerative scoliosis

Scheuermann’s kyphosis*

*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.

History and physical examination in pediatric and adolescent spinal deformity

History and physical examination in adult deformity

Application of the Lenke’s Classification

Selection of fusion levels in Lenke 1 and 2 patterns

Selection of fusion levels in degenerative scoliosis: short fusion vs long fusion vs aggressive osteotomies.
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.

Measuring Cobb angles and designating specific vertebrae on radiographs

Measuring spinopelvic parameters in ASD cases

Selection of fusion levels based on Lenke classification in adolescent scoliosis cases

Selection of fusion levels based Scheuerman’s Disease*

L3 vs L4 as LIV in lumbar curves and applying the sagittal modifier concept in AIS*

Selection of fusion levels in Lenke 1AR vs Lenke 1AL

Selection of fusion levels in different cases of degenerative scoliosis

*Only in selected courses-please check the final course program
Practical exercises - Spine Skills Lab
Skills Lab 1: Correction of thoracic scoliosis in AIS

Pedicle screw placement with anatomical references in the thoracic spine,

Grade I and II osteotomies to enhance flexibility,

Differential rod contouring to increase apical derotation,

Execution and observation of the effect of different sequences and modalities of rod application and correction

Skills Lab 2: Correction of the novo adult lumbar scoliosis

Posterior fixation with pedicle screws (T10-S1),

Pelvic fixation (Iliac and S2I screws),

Grade I and II posterior column osteotomies to release the spine,

Rod contouring,

Execution and observation of the effects of different modes of application and correction,

Management of the sagittal plane.

Skills lab 3 – Scheuermann’s kyphosis*

Correction of Scheuermann’s kyphosis with level-by-level compression and cantilever

Ponte osteotomies in the thoracic spine

*Only in selected courses, please check your program

Target audience

Spine surgeons interested in the treatment of spinal deformity
Neurosurgical and orthopedic spine fellows and residents at the end of their training
Global Spine Diploma participants and alumni
Experienced surgeons who want an update on general principles of deformity management.

Competencies

Perform a history, clinical, and physical examination in adult and pediatric patients with deformity
Order and interpret imaging and investigations to classify the scoliosis, kyphosis, and associated deformities
Plan surgical correction appropriate to the patient and pathology using Cobb angles, etc, and recognize when nonoperative care is an option
Place pedicle screws and hooks in the thoracic and lumbar spine
Perform correction maneuvers (contouring, rod arrangement, reduction, correction, and osteotomies)
Avoid and manage complications
Recognize the role of emerging technologies and latest research findings and evidence in clinical practice

What does competency-based curriculum development mean?

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