Latin America research study groups
As part of AO Spine’s mission to promote excellence in the surgical treatment of spinal pathologies, AO Spine Latin America has established research initiatives aimed at developing innovative solutions to continuously improve patient care. These initiatives include the Study Groups and research support opportunities.
Research study groups are regional networks of experts
The Latin America Study Groups comprise a network of experienced, dedicated, and well-trained spine surgeons who collaborate on research in five main areas: Degenerative, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS), Pediatric Spine, Trauma, and Tumors. Members and associates of each Study Group meet regularly to discuss new and ongoing research projects, working together to develop studies that address critical clinical and scientific challenges.
Additionally, AO Spine Latin America provides research support, offering researchers the opportunity to request assistance at various stages of their studies. This support includes technical and network assistance, as well as funding for essential scientific services. These services may include statistical consulting and analysis, translation services, scientific illustrations, publication fees, materials for experimental research, and other critical needs relevant to the proposed study.
Approved funding is managed by the AO Spine regional office, with payments for services or products made directly to suppliers. No funds are transferred to the Principal Investigator or their institution. To request research support, the Principal Investigator must submit a proposal through this link
Participation in the Study Groups and access to research support are exclusive benefits for AO Spine members. For more information, contact us by email.
AO supports every step of study
AO Spine Latin America provides research support, offering researchers the opportunity to request assistance at various stages of their studies. This support includes technical and network assistance, as well as funding for essential scientific services.
- These services may include statistical consulting and analysis, translation services, scientific illustrations, publication fees, materials for experimental research, and other critical needs relevant to the proposed study.
- Approved funding is managed by the AO Spine regional office, with payments for services or products made directly to suppliers. No funds are transferred to the Principal Investigator or their institution.
To request research support, the Principal Investigator must submit a proposal.
Participation in the Study Groups and access to research support are exclusive benefits for AO Spine members. For more information, contact us by email.
Currently active Latin America research study groups
The regional study groups aim to advance knowledge and focus on understanding the complexities of selected spinal conditions to improve patient outcomes, taking into account regional considerations that otherwise are sometimes overlooked. The findings are disseminated through scientific journals, congresses, and events.
Discover the research outcomes published by the Degenerative, Minimally Invasive, Pediatric, Trauma, and Tumor Study Groups, and the members who make it happen.
Study Group Degenerative
Focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of degenerative spine conditions, the Degenerative Study Group explores innovative surgical techniques and evidence-based approaches aimed at improving patient outcomes. The group encourages multidisciplinary collaboration, research initiatives, and the exchange of new ideas that contribute to the advancement of degenerative spine care.
Current Projects
- Degenerative spondylolisthesis
- Laminoplasty
- Evaluation of axial cervical pain
- Lumbar surgery in super-elderly patients
Coordinator: Emiliano Vialle (Brazil)
Members: Bruno Saciloto (BR), Carlos Roberto Massella (BR), Daniel Cunha (BR), Gonzalo Kido (AR), José Rafael Dangond (CO), Juan Pablo Guyot (AR), Marcelo Molina (CL), Nelson Astur (BR), Nicolás González Masanés (AR)
Associates: João Victor Pompeu (BR), Otavio Vitorio (BR), Rafael Prates (BR), Sofia Beltrame (AR), Vinicius Fruet (BR)
2025
Standardization of Therapeutic Management in Gunshot Injuries to the Spine. Revista Coluna
2024
Avaliação da diferença entre LL ortostática e em decúbito (DELTA LORDOSE) como preditor de rigidez da coluna lombar. Revista Coluna/Columna
Analysis of Predictors for Spinal Fusion in Degenerative Lumbar Stenosis in Chile Based on Diagnosis-Related Groups. Archives of Epidemiology
RECOSAN Tumors Study: Analysis of Patients with Spine Surgery due to Oncologic Pathology. Journal of Surgery and Research
Navigation experience in Latin-American Spine Surgeons: A survey. Cureus
2023
Surgical delay in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Latin America. How long it takes? World Neurosurgery
Spinal injection Survey among spine surgeons in Latin America. Journal of Spine Research and Surgery
Posterior Hemivertebrectomy for Correction of Congenital Kyphosis in Adulthood. Case Report and Literature Review. Annals of Case Reports
Low-grade cartilaginous neoplasm: a rare cause of paraparesis. Annals of Case Reports
Radiological classification for degenerative lumbar spinal disease: a literature review of the main systems. Journal of Spine Research and Surgery
2022
An inter- and intra-rater agreement assessment of a novel classification of pyogenic spinal infections. European Spine Journal
2021
Unplanned Readmission Following Early Postoperative Complications After Fusion Surgery in Adult Spine Deformity: A Multicentric Study. Global Spine Journal
An independent inter- and intra-observer agreement assessment of the Eno classification of sacroiliac joint degeneration. Acta Radiologica
Reporting Complications in Spinal Surgery – a Systematic Literature Review. World Neurosurgery
Quality Assessment for Reporting Complications and Adverse Events in Spinal Surgery: A Proposed 5-Item Checklist. World Neurosurgery
Study Group MISS
The MISS Study Group is dedicated to advancing minimally invasive spine surgery through evidence-based practices that prioritize patient safety, surgical efficiency, and biomechanical preservation.
Research activities are developed in close collaboration with the AO Spine Knowledge Forums and the MISS Task Force, ensuring alignment with global standards, scientific rigor, and international collaborative efforts.
Key areas of interest:
- Development of standardized minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Evaluation of innovative approaches and clinical feasibility
- Anatomical research to optimize safe surgical access
- Classification systems to support clinical decision-making
- Training strategies focused on shortening the learning curve and reducing risks
- Clinical outcomes, including effectiveness, complications, and long-term results
- Spinal alignment and biomechanics in minimally invasive procedures
- Integration of navigation, robotics, and advanced imaging technologies
Coordinator: Cristiano Menezes (Brazil)
Members:Alberto Gotfryd (BR), Alfredo Guiroy (AR), Alexandry Carvalho (BR), Cristian Correa (CL), Facundo Van Isseldyk (AR), Jefferson Soares Leal (BR), Jerônimo Milano (BR), Matias Pereira Duarte (AR), Nelson Astur (BR), Ricardo Fernandez-de Thomas (PR)
Young Researcher: Gabriel Lacerda (BR)
2025
Low-Cost Augmented Reality System in Endoscopic Spine Surgery: Analysis of Surgeon Ergonomics, Perceived Workload and A Step-by-Step Guide for Implementation. Global Spine Journal
2024
Perception of the learning curve for endoscopic spine procedures, a survey of spinal surgeons in Latam. Revista Coluna/Columna
Spinal Injections by Spine Surgeons: Current situation in Latin America. World Neurosurgery
10 tips for the placement of fenestrated pedicle screws with cement augmentation. Neurosurgery Practice
Endoscopic treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease: a narrative review of Full-Endoscopic and Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery. World Neurosurgery
Lumbar Tubular Decompression: Barriers and Limitations Hampering the Technique's Dissemination Across Latin America. World Neurosurgery
2022
¿Porqué los Índices de Fragilidad no son usados de manera sistemática en la consulta preoperatoria de Cirugía de Columna Vertebral? Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Córdoba
Is indirect decompression and fusion more effective than direct decompression and fusion for treating degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis with instability? A systematic review and metanalysis. Global Spine Journal
2021
20 tips to avoid and handle problems in the placement of percutaneous pedicle screws. World Neurosurgery
Study Group Pediatric Spine
The Pediatric Spine Study Group advances the understanding and treatment of pediatric spinal deformities across Latin America through collaborative, evidence-based, and regionally relevant research. Focused on improving clinical outcomes, surgical safety, and access to high-quality care, the group works in alignment with AO Spine Knowledge Forums and the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), ensuring consistency with international standards while addressing the unique healthcare realities and challenges of the region.
Key Areas of Interest
- Evidence-based treatment strategies for pediatric spinal deformities
- Surgical safety and complication prevention
- Early-onset and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
- Neuromuscular, syndromic, and congenital deformities
- Conservative treatment and functional outcomes
- Innovation and new technologies in pediatric spine care
- Education, collaboration, and multicenter research across LATAM
- Access to care and healthcare equity in the region
Coordinator: André Moreira Castilho (BR)
Members: André Luís Fernandes Andújar (BR), Danis Seguchi Sakai (BR), Fernando Alvarado (CO), Jefferson Soares Leal (BR), Jorge Parra (EC), Karen Weissman (CL), Luis Eduardo Munhoz da Rocha (BR), Mauricio Montalvo Galindo (MX), Rodrigo German Remondino (AR), Samuel Pantoja (CL), Tulio Rangel (BR)
Young Researcher: Micaela Besse (AR)
Study Group Trauma
The Trauma Study Group focuses on advancing the management of spinal trauma through collaborative research, scientific exchange, and innovation in patient care. The group is committed to improving outcomes for patients with traumatic spinal injuries by developing evidence-based approaches and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration.
Current Research Lines:
- Subaxial cervical fractures
Developing Research Lines
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Upper cervical injuries
- Spinal injuries caused by gunshot wounds
- Cervicothoracic junction injuries
- Lumbopelvic injuries
- Spinal cord trauma
Coordinator: Juan Ignacio Cirillo Totera (CL)
Members: Alfredo Guiroy (AR), Andrei Fernandes Joaquim (BR), Charles André Carazzo (BR), Guillermo Alejandro Ricciardi (AR), Guisela Quinteros (CL), Joana Bretas Cabral Rondon Guasque (BR), José Rafael Dangond (CO), Juan Pablo Cabrera Zuñiga (CL), Juan José Zamorano (CL), Ratko Yurac (CL).
Associates: Ignacio Gengler (CL), Oscar Bravo Olivares (CL), Esteban Espinoza (CL)
2026
Controversies in management of floating lateral mass fractures of subaxial cervical spine: a narrative review. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma
Occipitocervical dissociation: A narrative review and case series with a novel management algorithm proposal. Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine
Complication rates in thoracolumbar fracture-dislocations with and without neurological injury: a Latin American multicenter retrospective cohort study. Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Córdoba
2025
Adaptación transcultural y validación al español del cuestionario AOSpine PROST (Patient Reported Outcome Spine). Global Spine Journal
Mechanical instability of thoracolumbar spinal gunshot injuries: systematic review. Global Spine Journal
Spinal gunshot wounds and Infection: Myth or Truth? Asian Spine Journal
Teardrop cervical fractures: narrative review and case series. EFORT Open Reviews
Traumatic injuries at the cervicothoracic junction: a multicenter retrospective cohort study. Clinical Spine Journal
Failure of conservative treatment in cervical facet fractures: The impact of disc rupture in a retrospective series. Revista Española de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología
2024
Predicting early complications in patients with Spinal Gunshot Wounds: A Multicenter Study. Brain and Spine Eurospine
Risk factors of conservative treatment failure for isolated unilateral subaxial cervical facet fractures without neurological injury: systematic review protocol. Global Spine Journal
Treatment of unilateral cervical facet fractures without evidence of dislocation or subluxation: A Narrative Review and Proposed Treatment Algorithm. EFORT Open Reviews
Tratamiento de fracturas cervicales aisladas tipo masa lateral flotante: serie de casos. Revista de la Asociación Argentina de Ortopedia y Traumatología
Management of C2 fractures following multiple classifications. Brain and Spine
Delay in spine surgery in subaxial cervical trauma in Latin America. World Neurosurgery
2023
Spinal gunshot wounds: A retrospective, multicenter, cohort study. Revista Española de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología
Minimally invasive surgery for traumatic thoracolumbar fractures: a Latin American Spine Surgeons cross-sectional study. World Neurosurgery
2022
Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications After Surgical Treatment of Type B and C Injuries of the Thoracolumbar Spine. World Neurosurgery
Unstable Thoracolumbar Injuries – Factors Affecting the Decision for Short-Segment versus Long-Segment Posterior Fixation. International Journal of Spine Surgery
Reliability Evaluation of the New AO Spine-DGOU Classification for Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Fractures. World Neurosurgery
2021
Time to Surgery for Unstable Thoracolumbar Fractures in Latin America—A Multicentric Study. World Neurosurgery
CT Scan in Subaxial Cervical Facet Injury: Is It Enough for Decision-Making? Global Spine Journal
Accuracy and reliability of the AO Spine subaxial cervical spine classification system grading subaxial cervical facet injury morphology. European Spine Journal
Minimally invasive versus open surgery for the treatment of type B and C thoracolumbar injuries: A PRISMA Systematic Review. International Journal of Spine Surgery
Study Group Tumor
The Tumor Study Group is dedicated to advancing research and clinical management in spinal oncology. Through collaboration and scientific development, members work to improve diagnostic strategies, surgical techniques, adjuvant therapies, and patient-centered care for individuals affected by spine tumors.
Current Projects
- Minimally invasive management of symptomatic Enneking Stage III aggressive vertebral hemangiomas: a clinical treatment algorithm
- Basic concepts of radiotherapy and radiosurgery in spinal tumor pathology: a practical guide for beginners
- Adult sacral giant cell tumor of bone: a systematic review of denosumab use and neurosurgical management
- Vascular surgical strategies for the resection of sacral tumors
Coordinator: Santiago Matias Hem (Argentina)
Members: Alvaro Silva (CL), Brian Coimbra (BR), Claudio Tatsui (BR), Federico Landriel (AR), Fernando Rodas Montenegro (GT), Gustavo Giraldo (CO), William Teixeira (BR)
Young Researcher: Fernando Lucio Padilla (AR)
2026
Cross-Cultural Adaptation & Validation of the Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire (SOSGOQ) for patients with spinal metastases. World Neurosurgery
Spanish Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire (SOSGOQ) for Patients With Spinal Metastases. World Neurosurgery
2025
Conventional Radiotherapy Timing and Wound Complication Avoidance After Surgery for Metastatic Spine Disease. A LatAm Modified Delphi Study. World Neurosurgery.
2024
Navigating the Indeterminate Zome: Surgeons' Decision-Making Factor in Treating Vertebral Mesastases with Spinal Instability Score. World Neurosurgery.
A novel marking technique for accurate minimally invasive approaches in tumor surgeries. Operative Neurosurgery.
Does minimally invasive hemilaminectomy for intradural extramedullary tumor resection prevent postoperative kyphosis? World Neurosurgery.
How to Avoid and Handle Problems in the Placement of Cement-Augmented Fenestrated Percutaneous Pedicle Screws? Neurosurgery Practice.
Minimally Invasive Approaches for Lumbosacral Plexus Schwannomas. Operative Neurosurgery.
2023
Carbon-assisted minimally invasive trans-tubular approach for intercostal nerve schwannoma. Operative Neurosurgery
Measuring the Delay in the Referral of Unstable Vertebral Metastasis to the Spine Surgeon: A Retrospective Study in a Latin American Institution. Neurology India.
2022
Navigated multiplanar osteotomies for spinal primary bone tumors. Surgical Neurology International
2021
Low Implant Failure Rate of Percutaneous Fixation for Spinal Metastases: A Multicenter Retrospective Study. World Neurosurgery.
Abordaje mínimamente invasivo para el tratamiento de tumores espinales intradurales extramedulares: Nota Técnica. Surgical Neurology International.