Latin America research study groups

Supporting the development of innovative solutions to improve patient care

Getting to know the AO Spine Latin America Online Research Study Groups

As part of AO Spine’s mission to promote excellence in the surgical treatment of spinal pathologies, AO Spine Latin America has established research initiatives aimed at developing innovative solutions to continuously improve patient care. These initiatives include the Study Groups and research support opportunities.

Research study groups are regional networks of experts

The Latin America Study Groups comprise a network of experienced, dedicated, and well-trained spine surgeons who collaborate on research in five main areas: Degenerative, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS), Pediatric Spine, Trauma, and Tumors. Members and associates of each Study Group meet regularly to discuss new and ongoing research projects, working together to develop studies that address critical clinical and scientific challenges.

Additionally, AO Spine Latin America provides research support, offering researchers the opportunity to request assistance at various stages of their studies. This support includes technical and network assistance, as well as funding for essential scientific services. These services may include statistical consulting and analysis, translation services, scientific illustrations, publication fees, materials for experimental research, and other critical needs relevant to the proposed study.

Approved funding is managed by the AO Spine regional office, with payments for services or products made directly to suppliers. No funds are transferred to the Principal Investigator or their institution. To request research support, the Principal Investigator must submit a proposal through this link 

Participation in the Study Groups and access to research support are exclusive benefits for AO Spine members. For more information, contact us by email. 

AO supports every step of study

AO Spine Latin America provides research support, offering researchers the opportunity to request assistance at various stages of their studies. This support includes technical and network assistance, as well as funding for essential scientific services.

  • These services may include statistical consulting and analysis, translation services, scientific illustrations, publication fees, materials for experimental research, and other critical needs relevant to the proposed study.
  • Approved funding is managed by the AO Spine regional office, with payments for services or products made directly to suppliers. No funds are transferred to the Principal Investigator or their institution.

To request research support, the Principal Investigator must submit a proposal.

Participation in the Study Groups and access to research support are exclusive benefits for AO Spine members. For more information, contact us by email.

 

Currently active Latin America research study groups

The regional study groups aim to advance knowledge and focus on understanding the complexities of selected spinal conditions to improve patient outcomes, taking into account regional considerations that otherwise are sometimes overlooked. The findings are disseminated through scientific journals, congresses, and events.

Discover the research outcomes published by the Degenerative, Minimally Invasive, Pediatric, Trauma, and Tumor Study Groups, and the members who make it happen.

Study Group Degenerative

Focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of degenerative spine conditions, the Degenerative Study Group explores innovative surgical techniques and evidence-based approaches aimed at improving patient outcomes. The group encourages multidisciplinary collaboration, research initiatives, and the exchange of new ideas that contribute to the advancement of degenerative spine care.

Current Projects

  • Degenerative spondylolisthesis
  • Laminoplasty
  • Evaluation of axial cervical pain
  • Lumbar surgery in super-elderly patients

Coordinator: Emiliano Vialle (Brazil)

Members: Bruno Saciloto (BR), Carlos Roberto Massella (BR), Daniel Cunha (BR), Gonzalo Kido (AR), José Rafael Dangond (CO), Juan Pablo Guyot (AR), Marcelo Molina (CL), Nelson Astur (BR), Nicolás González Masanés (AR)

Associates: João Victor Pompeu (BR), Otavio Vitorio (BR), Rafael Prates (BR), Sofia Beltrame (AR), Vinicius Fruet (BR)

Study Group MISS

The MISS Study Group is dedicated to advancing minimally invasive spine surgery through evidence-based practices that prioritize patient safety, surgical efficiency, and biomechanical preservation.

Research activities are developed in close collaboration with the AO Spine Knowledge Forums and the MISS Task Force, ensuring alignment with global standards, scientific rigor, and international collaborative efforts.

Key areas of interest:

  • Development of standardized minimally invasive surgical techniques
  • Evaluation of innovative approaches and clinical feasibility
  • Anatomical research to optimize safe surgical access
  • Classification systems to support clinical decision-making
  • Training strategies focused on shortening the learning curve and reducing risks
  • Clinical outcomes, including effectiveness, complications, and long-term results
  • Spinal alignment and biomechanics in minimally invasive procedures
  • Integration of navigation, robotics, and advanced imaging technologies

Coordinator: Cristiano Menezes (Brazil)

Members:Alberto Gotfryd (BR), Alfredo Guiroy (AR), Alexandry Carvalho (BR), Cristian Correa (CL), Facundo Van Isseldyk (AR), Jefferson Soares Leal (BR), Jerônimo Milano (BR), Matias Pereira Duarte (AR), Nelson Astur (BR), Ricardo Fernandez-de Thomas (PR)

Young Researcher: Gabriel Lacerda (BR)

Study Group Pediatric Spine

The Pediatric Spine Study Group advances the understanding and treatment of pediatric spinal deformities across Latin America through collaborative, evidence-based, and regionally relevant research. Focused on improving clinical outcomes, surgical safety, and access to high-quality care, the group works in alignment with AO Spine Knowledge Forums and the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), ensuring consistency with international standards while addressing the unique healthcare realities and challenges of the region.

Key Areas of Interest

  • Evidence-based treatment strategies for pediatric spinal deformities
  • Surgical safety and complication prevention
  • Early-onset and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
  • Neuromuscular, syndromic, and congenital deformities
  • Conservative treatment and functional outcomes
  • Innovation and new technologies in pediatric spine care
  • Education, collaboration, and multicenter research across LATAM
  • Access to care and healthcare equity in the region

Coordinator: André Moreira Castilho (BR)

Members: André Luís Fernandes Andújar (BR), Danis Seguchi Sakai (BR), Fernando Alvarado (CO), Jefferson Soares Leal (BR), Jorge Parra (EC), Karen Weissman (CL), Luis Eduardo Munhoz da Rocha (BR), Mauricio Montalvo Galindo (MX), Rodrigo German Remondino (AR), Samuel Pantoja (CL), Tulio Rangel (BR)

Young Researcher: Micaela Besse (AR)

Study Group Trauma

The Trauma Study Group focuses on advancing the management of spinal trauma through collaborative research, scientific exchange, and innovation in patient care. The group is committed to improving outcomes for patients with traumatic spinal injuries by developing evidence-based approaches and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration.

Current Research Lines:

  • Subaxial cervical fractures

Developing Research Lines

  • Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
  • Upper cervical injuries
  • Spinal injuries caused by gunshot wounds
  • Cervicothoracic junction injuries
  • Lumbopelvic injuries
  • Spinal cord trauma

Coordinator: Juan Ignacio Cirillo Totera (CL)

Members: Alfredo Guiroy (AR), Andrei Fernandes Joaquim (BR), Charles André Carazzo (BR), Guillermo Alejandro Ricciardi (AR), Guisela Quinteros (CL), Joana Bretas Cabral Rondon Guasque (BR), José Rafael Dangond (CO), Juan Pablo Cabrera Zuñiga (CL), Juan José Zamorano (CL), Ratko Yurac (CL).

Associates: Ignacio Gengler (CL), Oscar Bravo Olivares (CL), Esteban Espinoza (CL)

Study Group Tumor

The Tumor Study Group is dedicated to advancing research and clinical management in spinal oncology. Through collaboration and scientific development, members work to improve diagnostic strategies, surgical techniques, adjuvant therapies, and patient-centered care for individuals affected by spine tumors.

Current Projects

  • Minimally invasive management of symptomatic Enneking Stage III aggressive vertebral hemangiomas: a clinical treatment algorithm
  • Basic concepts of radiotherapy and radiosurgery in spinal tumor pathology: a practical guide for beginners
  • Adult sacral giant cell tumor of bone: a systematic review of denosumab use and neurosurgical management
  • Vascular surgical strategies for the resection of sacral tumors

Coordinator: Santiago Matias Hem (Argentina)

Members: Alvaro Silva (CL), Brian Coimbra (BR), Claudio Tatsui (BR), Federico Landriel (AR), Fernando Rodas Montenegro (GT), Gustavo Giraldo (CO), William Teixeira (BR)

Young Researcher: Fernando Lucio Padilla (AR)


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