Latin America research study groups

Supporting the development of innovative solutions to improve patient care

Getting to know the AO Spine Latin America Online Research Study Groups

AO Spine Latin America is dedicated to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and collaborative efforts. As part of AO Spine’s mission to promote excellence in the treatment of spinal pathologies, AO Spine Latin America launched regional Study Groups and a range of research support opportunities, including technical assistance and funding.

The experienced spine surgeons and experts involved in regional research focus on developing innovative solutions to address key clinical challenges in spine care.

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.

 

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 understanding and addressing the complexities of degenerative spine conditions, this group explores innovative treatments and surgical techniques to improve patient outcomes.

Coordinator: Emiliano Vialle (Brazil)
Members: Bruno Saciloto (Brazil), Carlos Roberto Massella Jr (Brazil), Gonzalo Kido (Argentina), Marcelo Molina Salinas (Chile), Felipe Aguilar Chavez (Chile), Sofía Beltrame (Argentina)
Young Researcher: Jose Rafael Dangond (Colombia)

 


Study Group MISS

Dedicated to advancing knowledge in the field of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS), this group explores innovative surgical techniques and technologies designed to enhance patient well-being and improve surgical outcomes.

Coordinator: Cristiano Menezes (Brazil)
Members: Alberto Gotfryd (Brazil), Alexandry Carvalho (Brazil), Alfredo Guiroy (Argentina), Cristian Correa (Chile), Facundo Van Isseldyk, Jefferson Soares Leal (Brazil), Jeronimo Milano (Brazil), Matias Pereira Duarte (Argentina)
Young researcher: Pedro Henrique Cortat Proba Couri (Brazil)

 


Study Group Pediatric Spine

A group of experts specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of spinal conditions in children, focusing on providing the best possible care and ensuring optimal outcomes for young patients.

Coordinator: André Luís Fernandes Andújar (Brazil)
Members: Denis Seguchi Sakai (Brazil), Fernando Alvarado (Colombia), Jefferson Soares Leal (Brazil), Jorge Parra (Ecuador), Karen Weissman (Chile), Luis Eduardo Munhoz da Rocha (Brazil), Mauricio Montalvo Galindo (Mexico), Rodrigo German Remondino (Argentina), Samuel Pantoja (Chile), Túlio Rangel (Brazil)
Young Researcher: André Moreira Castilho (Brazil)


Study Group Trauma

Focused on the latest advancements in spinal trauma management, this group aims to improve outcomes for patients with traumatic spinal injuries through research and knowledge exchange.

Coordinator: Charles André Carazzo (Brazil)
Members: Alfredo Guiroy (Argentina), Andrei Fernandes Joaquim (Brazil), Guisela Quinteros (Chile), Joana Bretas Cabral Rondon Guasque (Brazil), Juan José Zamorano (Chile), José Rafael Dangond (Colombia), Juan Pablo Cabrera Zuñiga (Chile), Juan Ignacio Cirillo Totera (Chile), Ratko Yurac (Chile)
Young Researcher: Guillermo Alejandro Ricciardi (Argentina)

 


Study Group Tumor

This group is dedicated to research and clinical treatment of spine tumors. Members work together to develop cutting-edge therapies, surgical techniques, and patient care strategies.

Coordinator: Santiago Matias Hem (Argentina)
Members: Alvaro Silva (Chile), Christiano Simões (Brazil), Federico Landriel (Argentina), Gustavo Giraldo (Colombia), William Jacobsen Teixeira (Brazil)
Young Researcher: Fernando Lucio Padilla (Argentina)

 

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