Advance Your Skills: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Course

For spine surgeons dedicated to mastering the latest surgical procedures, continuous learning is essential. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) represents a significant advancement in the field, offering patients reduced recovery times and improved outcomes. To meet the demand for specialized training in this area, the AO Spine NA Course—Advanced MISS Techniques offers a comprehensive, hands-on, minimally invasive spine surgery course. This two-day course will take place on October 24-25, 2025, in Raynham, MA.

Watch this video about the course by Chair Dr. Roger Hartl!

This program is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of advanced MISS procedures. Participants will gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge through a blend of interactive sessions, case-based discussions, and intensive lab work. The curriculum focuses on state-of-the-art management strategies, allowing you to refine your techniques and expand your surgical capabilities under the guidance of leading experts.

Elevate Your Expertise with a Focused Curriculum: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Course

The course centers on complex and advanced MISS techniques that are becoming standard in modern spine care. The curriculum is specifically structured to build upon existing knowledge, making it ideal for surgeons who have some experience with MISS but wish to tackle more challenging cases. The primary focus will be on three key procedures:

• Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MIS TLIF) with navigation: Learn the nuances of this advanced procedure, leveraging cutting-edge navigation technology to enhance precision and safety.

• Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF): Gain proficiency in the lateral approach, understanding its indications, advantages, and potential complications.

• Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): Master the anterior approach, a vital technique for addressing certain lumbar pathologies.

This intensive program is designed for orthopedic and neurosurgeons who are looking to move beyond foundational MISS skills and confidently perform more complex procedures.

A Unique, Hands-On Learning Environment

One of the most significant features of this course is the extensive practical training it provides. You will have the invaluable opportunity to work with human anatomical specimens, providing a realistic surgical experience that cannot be replicated by simulations alone. These lab sessions are a core component of the course, allowing you to directly apply the techniques discussed in didactic lectures.

The learning structure is designed to foster active participation. The course is divided into rotations, ensuring every participant gets ample time in both the didactic case discussion modules and the hands-on lab.

Key Learning Opportunities Include:

• Practical Lab Sessions: Perform posterior decompression, TLIF, LLIF, and ALIF procedures on human anatomical specimens.

• Expert-Led Discussions: Engage with a world-class faculty in case-based discussions covering degenerative conditions, trauma, tumors, and complications.

• Interactive Modules: Delve into specific clinical challenges like degenerative spondylolisthesis and scoliosis, analyzing treatment options and case resolutions.

Learn from the Leaders in Spine Surgery

The course is co-chaired by Roger Hartl, MD of Weill Cornell Medicine, and Christoph Hofstetter, MD, PhD, FACS from the University of Washington. They are joined by a distinguished faculty of experienced spine surgeons from renowned institutions across North America. These experts will share their extensive knowledge, providing insights into best practices, complication avoidance, and the adoption of new technologies into your practice.

Course Faculty:

• Roger Hartl, MD – Co-Chairperson; Director of Spinal Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY

• Christoph Hofstetter, MD, PhD, FACS – Co-Chairperson; Director of Spine Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA

• Muhammad Abd-El-Barr, MD, PhD – Professor, Vice-Chair International Affairs, Chief of Endoscopic Spine Surgery, Spine Fellowship Co-Director, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC

• Nitin Agarwal, MD – Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery and Bioengineering, Director of Minimally Invasive Spine and Robotics Surgery, Associate Program Director, Neurological Surgery Residency, Co-Director, Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Deformity Fellowship, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA

• Ashraf El Naga, MD – Assistant Clinical Professor, Director, Orthopaedic Spine Service, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital/University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA

• David Gendelberg, MD – Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, University of California, San Francisco – Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, San Francisco, CA

• Elizabeth Yu, MD – Associate Professor; Fellowship Director, Orthopaedic Spine Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH

This event is not just a training course; it is an opportunity to network with peers and leading experts. You can share experiences, discuss challenging cases, and build professional connections that will support your practice long after the course concludes.

Course Details and Registration Information

Date: October 24-25, 2025
Location: Raynham, MA

Target Audience:
The course is tailored for spine surgeons (both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons) who already have some experience with MISS techniques but are not yet performing complex MISS procedures.

Tuition:

• Attending: $1,750.00

• Fellow: $1,500.00

CME: 12.75

If you are ready to enhance your surgical skills and gain confidence in advanced minimally invasive spine surgery, this course is an essential investment in your professional development. The combination of expert faculty, a focused curriculum, and invaluable hands-on lab sessions creates a premier learning experience.

Space is limited to ensure a low participant-to-faculty ratio and maximize hands-on time. We encourage you to register early to secure your place.

Register Now for the AO Spine NA Advanced MISS Techniques Course