Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)
Explore the AO Spine MISS resources
Minimally invasive spine surgery is a suite of technology-dependent techniques and procedures that reduces local operative tissue damage and systemic surgical stress enabling earlier return to function striving for better outcomes than traditional techniques.
Studies show many advantages for MISS over conventional surgery.
AO Spine MISS educational material and courses cover all types of minimally invasive spine operations through tubular/microscopic, endoscopic, and instrumented procedures. They cover degenerative processes, lumbar spinal stenosis, disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, and many other pathologies that you deal with in your busy practices.
Find all upcoming AO Spine MISS courses here.
The AO Surgery Reference Degenerative module covers MISS treatments for degenerative disorders.
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.
MISS Curriculum and learning material
MISS Curriculum Brochure
The AO Spine MISS Curriculum supports AO Spine faculty in designing MISS courses following the highest standards and in teaching MISS techniques from the 'simple' to ‘more complex' technologies.
MISS videos and webinars
Explore AO’s videos, webinars, and recorded events on MISS. Available to members only.
AO Surgery Reference
AO Surgery Reference degenerative spine disease modules developed by the AO Spine MISS Taskforce cover treatments for disc herniation, stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.
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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Surgical simulation
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Improving skills and confidence
High-fidelity training simulator for minimally invasive lumbar decompression provenly increases working knowledge and technical skills among orthopedic and neurosurgical trainees.