AO Spine and 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 has identified a high need for surgeon’s training in these procedures and techniques, and they attract increasing interest worldwide. With the AO Spine MISS Task Force—a group of leading international MISS authorities who drive AO's MISS initiatives—AO brings together different opinions and experiences from around the world.
Looking to improve your knowledge in MISS?
Join AO Spine's leading experts—the international AO Spine MISS Task Force—to learn the full spectrum of this hot topic, from indications and general skills to specific microscopic, endoscopic, and instrumented procedures.
AO Spine Online Course—The MISS Spectrum Series, from April 1–May 26, 2023
MISS courses and events
Find upcoming AO Spine MISS courses and events in your region and beyond.
MISS curriculum
The curriculum supports our faculty to design their MISS events based on competencies and aimed at specific target audiences.
MISS videos and webinars
Explore the digital teaching and learning material, webinars, and event coverage for educational purposes. Recordings are available for members only.
An extraordinary webinar series by the AO Spine MISS Task Force
In these sessions AO Spine's expert MISS task force members explain the key competencies in MISS and cover
- indications, techniques and possible complications of different procedures,
- indications, alternatives, risks and benefits of different approaches, and
- pros and cons of microscopic vs. endoscopic techniques.
The videos are available exclusively to AO Spine members. Please log in to watch.
MISS fusion: MIS TLIF vs. Lateral approaches
Presenters: Avelino Parajon and Paul Taylor
Moderators: Roger Härtl and Nestor Taboada
May 19, 2020
Cervical spine MISS: Anterior vs. Posterior
Presenters: Richard Assaker and JinSung Kim
Moderators: Christoph Hofstetter and Paul Taylor
May 6, 2020
AO Spine Webinar—"Over-the-top” MISS decompression: Endoscope vs. Microscope
Presenters: Christoph Hofstetter and Muhammed Assous
Moderators: Roger Härtl and Richard Assaker
April 23, 2020
The 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, AO Spine Spine Center and Fellowship Officer Middle East, Razi Spine Clinic, Amman, Jordan
Christoph Hofstetter, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
JinSung Kim, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Avelino Parajon, Hospital Universitario, Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
Néstor Taboada, UNIMEC, Barranquilla, Columbia
Paul Taylor, Spines WA, Perth, Australia
You might also be interested in:
How do you do ULBD?
An AO funded study shows high-fidelity training simulators improve skills and confidence in minimally invasive lumbar decompression.
Putting family first
How it turned into the best career decision for Jin-Sung (Luke) Kim, who today is right there at the top with the world's leading spine surgeons and best known as an international MISS expert.
MISS assets for AO Spine faculty
MISS teaching videos and surgical manuals.
The Global Spine Network
The recorded webinars and videos are just one of many valuable AO Spine membership offerings.