AO Spine Course—Spinal Trauma: Key Concepts and Techniques

Unlock the path to mastering spinal trauma surgery

AO Spine Spinal Trauma Course

This two-day hands-on course provides surgeons with essential surgical skills in managing spinal trauma and spinal cord injuries in cervical and thoracolumbar spine. 

Using realistic bone models and simulators with fracture patterns, participants will master core techniques such as pedicle screw placement (open and minimally invasive), anterior and posterior cervical decompression and fixation, and thoracolumbar decompression, which form the foundation of effective spinal trauma care. In addition, the participants will learn the main classifications and how to apply them.

 

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

  • 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
    • Cervical injuries (subaxial):
      • Classification system
      • Approaches and management options
    • Thoracolumbar injuries:
      • Classification system
      • Approaches and management options
    • High energy and osteoporotic fractures
      • Classification systems
      • Initial management of high energy and polytrauma injuries
    • Upper cervical injuries:
      • Classification system
  • Course modules
    • Introduction
    • Cervical injuries (subaxial)
    • Thoracolumbar injuries
    • Other injuries and complications
    • Osteoporotic fractures*
    • Sacral injuries*
    • Spinal trauma research*
    • New technologies and innovations*

    *Only in selected courses. Please check the final course program.

  • 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:

    • A, B, and C type injuries in cervical and thoracolumbar spine
    • Spinal cord injuries
    • Anterior and posterior surgery
    • Osteoporotic fractures*
    • Sacral injuries*

    *Only in selected courses. Please check the final course program.

  • Practical exercises

    Pedicle cannulation and decompression (lumbar and thoracic)—open

    • Introduction to the practical exercises
    • Open pedicle screw placement—lumbar and thoracic
    • Thoracolumbar decompression, with dural repair*
    • Module debriefing and take-home messages

    Pedicle cannulation (lumbar and thoracic)—percutaneous

    • Introduction to the practical exercises
    • Fluoroscopy
    • Percutaneous screws
    • Navigation station*
    • Cement augmentation (video or hands-on exercise*)
    • Module debriefing and take-home messages

    Cervical decompression—anterior

    • Introduction to the practical exercises
    • Anterior, discectomy/corpectomy
    • Anterior C2*
    • Module debriefing and take-home messages

    Cervical decompression—posterior

    • Introduction to the practical exercises
    • Posterior fixation: decompression, Massa screw, cervical pedicle screws, C2
    • Module debriefing and take-home messages

    *Only in selected courses. Please check the final course program.

Who should attend

  • Residents in orthopedic and neurosurgical programs
  • Fellows
  • Surgeons seeking to refine core spinal trauma techniques
  • Surgeons transitioning into spine trauma care
  • Global Spine Diploma participants and alumni
Sebastian Bigdon

“This course will give you the tools to tackle all the frequent challenges in spinal trauma. I will send all my residents to this course so I will know they gain the confidence and techniques to treat our patients according to the up-to-date evidence.”


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 the spinal trauma patient in a standardized way and document all aspects of the patient journey
  • Clear the spine and provide initial immobilization
  • Workup the patient and interpret all imaging and other investigations
  • Classify the injury and make a diagnosis
  • Make a classification-based treatment plan (including appropriate preparation)
  • Perform the chosen procedure
  • Manage other specific fracture patterns

What does competency-based curriculum development mean?

Learn more

AO Spine Trauma Curriculum Task Force

The Trauma Curriculum taskforce is a group of experts who build and continuously improve our educational program.
Thomas Blattert

Thomas Blattert
Germany

Representing Europe and Southern Africa

 
Marcelo Valacco

Marcelo Valacco 
Argentina

Representing Latin America

John France

John France
USA

Representing North America

Mohamed Fawzy Khattab

Mohamed Fawzy Khattab 
Egypt

Representing Middle East and Northern Africa

Samir Dalvie

Samir Dalvie
India

Representing Asia Pacific

Luiz Gustavo dal Oglio da Rocha

Luiz Gustavo dal Oglio da Rocha 
Brazil

Representing Global Spine Diploma and AO In-Hospital

Sebastian Bigdon

Sebastian Bigdon
Switzerland 

Representing Knowledge Forum Trauma & Infection

Ricardo Rodrigues-Pinto

Ricardo Rodrigues Pinto
Portugal 

Representing Knowledge Forum Spinal Cord Injury

Richard Bransford

Richard Bransford
AO Spine Education Commission Chairperson

Bryan Ashman
AO Spine Curriculum Advisor

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