We’re nailing it! AO Spine launches new trauma curriculum courses to elevate global standards in spine care

AO Spine is proud to announce the worldwide launch of its new AO Spine Trauma Curriculum Courses—a landmark initiative designed to provide surgeons with the most comprehensive, evidence-based, and hands-on training available. Beginning in 2026, two courses will be held, offering spine surgeons the unique opportunity to refine their skills, build confidence, and standardize care in spinal trauma.

With trauma remaining a challenging domain in spine surgery, often with the biggest case load, these courses are set to address pressing educational needs, ensuring that participants gain both the theoretical knowledge and the practical expertise to improve patient outcomes.

Task Force member Thomas Blattert summarized the value for learners. “The new AO Spine Trauma Curriculum for the first time merges global evidence with regional specifics and characteristics. In other words: It is a unique learning experience for spine care providers worldwide who have their focus on trauma.”

AO spine curricula are designed for real-world challenges

Spinal trauma is a critical, high-stakes field where treatment decisions can profoundly impact patient recovery and quality of life. The new AO Spine Trauma Curriculum addresses these challenges by providing a structured, competency-based approach to training.

The courses have been developed by the AO Spine Trauma Curriculum Task Force, a group of internationally recognized key opinion leaders, experienced trauma researchers, and master educators. Their collective mission is to equip surgeons with the tools to meet today’s clinical demands with confidence and consistency.

Task Force member Sebastian Bigdon highlights the value of this approach: “These courses will give you the tools to tackle all the frequent challenges in spinal trauma. Participants will learn the most important techniques and evidence on how to manage spine trauma patients. I for one, will send all my residents to these courses so I know they will gain the confidence and techniques to treat our patients according to the up-to-date evidence.”

 Why choose AO Spine spinal trauma courses

The AO Spine trauma curriculum is not just another training opportunity—it is a comprehensive, international effort to redefine education in spinal trauma. Participants will benefit from:

• Global expertise: faculty includes leading trauma surgeons and researchers from around the world.
• Standardized learning: a unified framework ensures participants gain consistent skills and knowledge, applicable across different healthcare systems.
• Hands-on focus: realistic bone models, anatomical specimens, and advanced simulators give participants the chance to translate theory into practice.
• Evidence-based content: every module reflects the most current scientific evidence, ensuring that practice aligns with the latest research.
• Interactive environment: case-based discussions foster collaboration, peer learning, and problem-solving in real-world clinical scenarios.

“International key opinion leaders and experienced trauma researchers have spanned together to create the best possible course for every surgeon to achieve the best possible outcomes,” Bigdon said. “The hands-on-experience and interactive discussions will give security and guidelines for challenging situations.”

Task Force Member Mohamed Fawzy Khattab also highlighted the impact on clinical practice and the curriculum that reflects the current consensus from leading international experts. “The courses are evidence-based and globally standardized, with a modular, competency-based design that builds from core principles to advanced decision-making. Through case-based discussions and practical exercises, it bridges the gap between latest knowledge, theory, and real-world trauma scenarios, while fostering a common language among surgeons to improve collaboration and patient outcomes.”

Master treatment of spinal trauma with transformative learning experiences

AO Spine’s new trauma curriculum reflects AO’s commitment to raising global standards in trauma care. By combining world-class faculty, standardized teaching, and hands-on training, AO courses provide surgeons with the skills, confidence, and evidence they need to improve patient outcomes worldwide.

Whether you are starting your career, consolidating your knowledge, or aiming to master complex cases, the AO Spine trauma curriculum offers a tailored pathway and the right course to meet your needs for your career.

After completing the courses, participants will be able to treat their patients with increased confidence, have a network to rely on, and be able to:

• Systematically assess and manage spinal trauma patients
• Apply and interpret imaging and classification systems
• Develop and execute classification-based treatment plans
• Perform key surgical techniques across cervical, thoracolumbar, sacral, and spinopelvic injuries
• Incorporate the latest innovations, including minimally invasive approaches and robotics
• Recognize, prevent, and manage complications

The message from the faculty is clear: the standardized courses are transformative learning experiences that can change how surgeons approach trauma care.

“The daily practice will improve,” Bigdon summarized. “Challenging situations will become more manageable because of the hands-on experience and the incorporation of latest evidence in spinal trauma. This will ultimately make your life as a surgeon easier and improve patient outcomes.”