AO Spine MISS Spectrum Series online course
The AO Spine MISS Spectrum Series is a comprehensive learning experience for practicing surgeons who have little to no skills in MISS, fellows in an orthopedic or neurosurgery spine program, and residents in their final years who will specialize in spine surgery.
The course is developed and taught by the AO Spine MISS Task Force experts, global leaders in this field, and it covers the full spectrum of this ultimate tissue-preserving technique, from indications and general skills to specific microscopic, endoscopic, and instrumented procedures.
Why you should choose this course
Online course with self-directed learning and live sessions
Top international faculty
Total course duration 16–20 hours, 8 weeks, with annual start dates
For surgeons who have little to no skills in MISS
Expand your international professional network
Course content
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Course modules
Week 1–2: General skills, introduction to MISS
Week 3–4: Microscopic/tubular MISS procedures
Week 5–6: Endoscopic MISS procedures
Week 7–8: Instrumented MISS procedures -
What you will learn:
- Select the appropriate MISS procedure for the pathology and indication, and recognize when MISS is not an appropriate option
- Set up the technology, operating room, and the team for MISS procedures
- Describe the phases and steps for core microscopic/tubular, endoscopic, and instrumented MISS procedures
- Describe how to manage complications and apply a backup plan
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Who the MISS Spectrum Series is for:
- Practicing surgeons who have limited skills in MISS
- Fellows in orthopedic or neurosurgery spine programs
- Residents in their final years who will specialize in spine surgery
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How the course is delivered:
- Total duration 16–20 hours, 8 weeks, online
- A series of self-directed learning activities and resources, combined with live online sessions
- Readings and prerecorded presentations and lectures prepare for the live sessions
- Live online panel discussions and small group case discussions, led by international experts in the various areas of MISS

“I haven’t been exposed much to MISS procedures prior to the course. As someone who wants to focus on MISS, this amazing course with amazing mentors was just mind blowing. The knowledge is comprehensive, but the online discussion and debate is what really amazed me. Discuss cases with masters of MISS was just invaluable and indispensable!”
Dr Uri Hadelsberg, course participant in 2024
AO Spine MISS Task Force

Roger Härtl
Task Force Leader
Weill Cornell Medical College
New York, United States

Richard Assaker
Centre Hospitalier Regional Universitaire
Lille, France

Mohammed Assous
Razi Spine Clinic
Amman, Jordan

Christoph Hofstetter
University of Washington
Seattle, United States

JinSung Kim
The Catholic University of Korea
Seoul, South Korea

Avelino Parajon
Hospital Universitario
Ramón y Cajal
Madrid, Spain

Néstor Taboada
Clinica PortoAzul
Barranquilla, Colombia

Paul Taylor
SpinesWA Mount Hospital
Perth, Australia
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