AO Spine Course—Spinal Trauma: Advanced Techniques and Complex Cases
Master advanced techniques in spinal trauma
This two-day course covers advanced techniques for managing complex spinal trauma. Participants will perform high-level procedures such as posterior upper cervical fixation, occipitocervical fusion, C1–C2 instrumentation, thoracic and lumbar corpectomies, and sacroiliac screw placement. The course includes minimally invasive approaches and navigation-assisted procedures to prepare surgeons for the most challenging trauma scenarios. In addition, participants will learn the key classifications and how to apply them for complex cases.
Why you should choose this course
World-class curriculum
Developed by leading global experts
Expert faculty
Learn from renowned regional specialists
Hands-on experience
2 days in duration
Network
Build valuable professional connections
Course content
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Online pre-learning
4 weeks before the course, you will get access to a short online pre-learning module, which includes short video lectures, practical exercises videos, and articles on:
- Introduction to classifications: why
- Upper cervical injuries and SCI
- Classification system
- Diagnosis, approaches, and management options
- Complex thoracolumbar injuries:
- Classification system
- Approaches and management options
- High energy and osteoporotic fractures
- Classification systems
- Initial management of high energy and polytrauma injuries
- Sacral injuries
- Diagnosis and treatment options
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Course modules
- Introduction
- Upper cervical injuries
- Thoracolumbar injuries—complex cases
- Osteoporotic fractures*
- Spinal cord injuries*
- Spinal trauma research*
- New technologies and innovations*
*Only in selected courses. Please check the final course program.
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Case discussions
*Analyse real-world clinical cases to enhance clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills. These discussions foster collaboration among participants and faculty and connect theoretical insights with practical applications.
Case discussions will cover topics on:
- Upper cervical injuries
- Complex thoracolumbar injuries
- Sacral injuries
- Stiff spine
- Polytrauma
- Osteoporotic fractures
- Complications
- Spinal cord injuries*
*Only in selected courses. Please check the final course program.
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Practical exercises
Posterior upper cervical fixation
- Introduction to the procedures
- Occipitocervical fusion
- C1 screw placement
- Module debriefing and take-home messages
C1-C2 instrumentation
- Introduction to the procedures
- Goel-Harms-Fusion
- Magerl fusion C1/C2*
- Module debriefing and take-home messages
Costotransversectomy for posterior thoracic corpectomy
- Introduction to the procedures
- Steps in costotransversectomy for posterior thoracic corpectomy
- Module debriefing and take-home messages
Lumbar corpectomy
- Introduction to the procedures
- Steps in lumbar corpectomy
- Module debriefing and take-home messages
Sacroiliac screws for spinoiliac injuries, including transiliosacral screws (triangular pelvic fixation)
- Introduction to the procedures
- Steps in procedure
- Module debriefing and take-home messages
Advanced techniques for dural reconstruction*
- Introduction to the practical exercises
- Steps in procedure
- Module debriefing and take-home messages
Robotics*
- Introduction to the practical exercises
- Steps in a robotic procedure
- Module debriefing and take-home messages
*Only in selected courses. Please check the final course program.
Who should attend
- Experienced spine surgeons managing complex trauma cases
- This course is also suitable for surgeons who have attended the “Spinal Trauma: Key Concepts and Techniques” course and/or the Global Spine Diploma, and want to increase their knowledge and skills
“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. The hands-on-experience and interactive discussions will give security and guidelines for challenging situations.”
Sebastian Bigdon
AO Spine Trauma Curriculum Taskforce member
AO Spine Knowledge Forum Trauma & Infection member
After the course you will master the following competencies:
- Assess C0 and C1 injuries and make a management plan
- Assess C2 injuries and make a management plan
- Assess cases involving transitional areas – diagnose and make a management plan
- Manage polytrauma patients
- Access SCI, including instability of the spine
- Perform specific techniques (range of MISS to open)
- Integrate innovative techniques
- Prevent and manage complications
AO Spine Trauma Curriculum Task Force
Thomas Blattert
Germany
Representing Europe and Southern Africa
Marcelo Valacco
Argentina
Representing Latin America
John France
USA
Representing North America
Mohamed Fawzy Khattab
Egypt
Representing Middle East and Northern Africa
Samir Dalvie
India
Representing Asia Pacific
Luiz Gustavo dal Oglio da Rocha
Brazil
Representing Global Spine Diploma and AO In-Hospital
Sebastian Bigdon
Switzerland
Representing Knowledge Forum Trauma & Infection
Ricardo Rodrigues Pinto
Portugal
Representing Knowledge Forum Spinal Cord Injury
Richard Bransford
AO Spine Education Commission Chairperson
Bryan Ashman
AO Spine Curriculum Advisor
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