Special Courses
Elevate your 2027 Spine Summit experience by incorporating specialized courses into your schedule. These focused learning opportunities provide an in-depth exploration of specific topics, allowing you to expand your knowledge and enhance your skills. To secure your spot in these exclusive sessions, simply check the corresponding box under “Choose Sessions” during the registration process. If you’ve already registered, add a Special Course to your existing registration here.
Thursday
Thursday, February 18
- 12 - 4 PM
Special Course 1:
Nuances of Spinal Deformity
In partnership with the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
This course will cover hot topics in spinal deformity care, including concepts in perioperative optimization, spinopelvic alignment, spinal osteotomies, minimally invasive deformity treatment and deformity complications and failures. Participants will develop a comprehensive framework for surgical indications and contraindications, learn treatment options for surgical salvage after construct failure and learn cutting-edge intraoperative strategies with an emphasis on complication avoidance.
$350 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Cheerag Upadhyaya, MD, MBA, MSc, FACS, FAANS, Shay Bess, MD, and Praveen Mummaneni, MD, MBA, FAANS
Thursday, February 18
- 12 - 4 pm
Special Course 2:
Revision Cervical Spine Surgery: Case Based Discussion and Real Life Scenarios
In partnership with the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS)
This course will cover common yet challenging cervical revision scenarios through case examples and video techniques. Experts will share strategies to revise complex upper cervical spine failures and how to formulate surgical plans for deformity after cervical fusion.
$350 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Michael Steinmetz, MD, FAANS, Wilson ‘Zack’ Ray, MD, FAANS and Thomas Mroz, MD
Thursday, February 18
- 12 - 4 pm
Special Course 3:
Spine Care at the Edge of Human Performance: Elite Athletes and Special Operators
In partnership with the National Spine Health Foundation and Return to Duty
Explore the management of spine injuries and degenerative conditions in elite athletes and active-duty military personnel, populations where treatment decisions must account for the demands of high-performance activity. Through case-based discussion and expert faculty perspectives, participants will examine factors that influence treatment selection, recovery, and return to unrestricted activity after spine injury or surgery. Emphasis will be placed on balancing clinical evidence, patient goals, and occupational or athletic demands to achieve optimal outcomes in patients whose careers depend on physical readiness.
Exclusively supported by Medtronic.
$350 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Director: John ‘Jack’ Knightly, MD, FACS, FAANS
Thursday, February 18
- 12 - 4 PM
Special Course 4:
Advanced Operative Technologies and Tactical Execution in Spine Surgery
In partnership with the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS)
Spine surgery is rapidly evolving through advances in technology. Robotics, image guidance, augmented reality, endoscopy, implant design, nerve stimulation and ablation, bone-cutting technologies, and artificial intelligence are changing how surgeons approach the treatment of symptomatic spinal disease. This intensive four-hour course provides a practical overview of the innovations shaping modern spine care. Participants will evaluate current navigation and robotic systems, compare uniportal and biportal endoscopic approaches, examine the growing role of AI and machine learning, and review advances in implant material science and other emerging technologies.
$350 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Laura Snyder, MD, FAANS, Paul Park, MD, FAANS, Dean Chou, MD, FAANS and Neel Anand, MD
Thursday, February 18
Two Lab Options – Morning or Afternoon
- 7 - 11 AM
- 12 - 4 PM
Special Course 5:
The Endoscopic Spine (Hands-On Cadaver Lab)
In partnership with the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS)
This hands-on cadaveric lab provides practical experience across the spectrum of endoscopic spine surgery, from foundational skills to advanced techniques. Expert faculty from U.S. and international programs will guide participants through uniportal and biportal approaches, including transforaminal and interlaminar techniques, for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine pathology.
Working in small, station-based groups, participants will use endoscopic visualization systems and instrumentation while reviewing surgical anatomy, procedural workflows, common chokepoints, and strategies to improve efficiency. The course is designed to broaden surgeons’ understanding of the techniques, approaches, and clinical applications of endoscopic spine surgery.
$600 | Physicians
$600 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Mark Mahan, MD, FAANS, Christoph Hofstetter, MD, PhD, FAANS and Muhammed Abd-El-Barr, MD
Thursday, February 18
- 8 AM - 4 PM
Advanced Practice Providers (APP) Session:
OsteoEDGE: Osteoporosis Evaluation, Diagnosis, & Guideline-based Treatment Education for Spine APPs
In partnership with the National Spine Health Foundation
Designed for APPs involved in spine care, this course provides a practical framework for integrating bone health assessment and osteoporosis management into clinical practice. Topics include bone biology, risk stratification, diagnostic evaluation, medical treatment options, perioperative optimization, and longitudinal follow-up. Faculty experts will present real-world cases and best practices to help participants improve patient care and reduce fracture-related complications. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for building and sustaining effective bone health programs within their organizations.
Once completed, all attendees will receive the OsteoEDGE Certificate of Completion, issued by the National Spine Health Foundation.
$250 | Advanced Practice Providers
Course Directors: Gina Duel, PA-C and Lindsay Orosz, PhD, PA-C
Saturday
Saturday, February 20
- 3:15 - 5:45 PM
Special Course 6:
The AI-Enabled Spine Surgeon: Transforming Clinical Care, Research, and Education
In partnership with the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way spine surgery is practiced, with applications spanning clinical decision-making, imaging, surgical planning, workflow optimization and outcomes research. This course will explore how AI is being used across the continuum of spine care, highlighting practical, real-world applications, as well as emerging innovations. Faculty will share their experience implementing AI in clinical practice and research, discuss current challenges and ethical considerations and examine where the field is headed. Participants will leave with a practical understanding of how AI can be thoughtfully integrated into modern spine care.
$250 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Paul Kim, MD, FAANS, Mohamad Bydon, MD, FAANS and Alexander Vaccaro, MD, FACS
Saturday, February 20
- 3:15 - 5:45 PM
Special Course 7:
Navigating Complex Spine Oncology: Multidisciplinary Care, Surgical Pearls, and Cutting-Edge Technologies
In partnership with AO Spine
This comprehensive course delivers an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation and management of primary bone tumors, metastatic disease and intradural spine oncology. Utilizing the Neurological, Oncological, Mechanical and Systemic (NOMS) framework, attendees will explore patient assessment, radiation treatment paradigms and regional nuances in complex resection and reconstruction across cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine regions. Enriched by high-yield surgical video, the course highlights surgical pearls & examines emerging technologies, including minimally invasive techniques, robotic-assisted resection, carbon fiber hardware and personalized implants. Through interactive case-based discussions, video demonstrations and expert-led presentations, participants will gain actionable insights to optimize clinical decision-making and patient outcomes in complex spine oncology.
Exclusively supported by icotec.
$250 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Daniel Sciubba, MD, FAANS, Michael Galgano, MD, FAANS and John Shin, MD, FAANS
Saturday, February 20
- 3:15 - 5:45 PM
Special Course 8:
Mission Critical: Reanimation, Transfers and Surgical Execution for Complex Nerve Pathologies
In partnership with the National Spine Health Foundation and Return to Duty Foundation
This course addresses advanced, evidence-based surgical strategies for managing complex nerve injuries, entrapments, and tumors. Designed for spine and nerve surgeons, this session highlights actionable diagnostic algorithms, nerve transfer procedures and contemporary operative techniques to optimize patient recovery and functional outcomes.
$250 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Justin Brown, MD, FAANS and Elias Rizk, MD, PhD, MSc, FAANS
Saturday, February 20
- 3:15 - 5:45 pm
Special Course 9:
The Difficult Cases: Complications, Salvage and Second Chances
In partnership with the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS)
Every experienced spine surgeon has cases that have changed the way they practice. Hear from experienced faculty about real cases, complications and practical lessons learned. Participants will learn through honest reflection, case presentations, and interactive discussion.
$250 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Adam Kanter, MD, FAANS, Christopher Wolfla, MD, FAANS and Charles Sansur, MD, MHSc, FAANS
- 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Special Course 1:
Nuances of Spinal Deformity
In partnership with the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS)
This course will cover hot topics in spinal deformity care, including concepts in perioperative optimization, spinopelvic alignment, spinal osteotomies, minimally invasive deformity treatment and deformity complications and failures. Participants will develop a comprehensive framework for surgical indications and contraindications, learn treatment options for surgical salvage after construct failure and learn cutting-edge intraoperative strategies with an emphasis on complication avoidance.
$350 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Cheerag Upadhyaya, MD, MBA, MSc, FACS, FAANS, Shay Bess, MD, Praveen Mummaneni, MD, MBA, FAANS
- 1:30 - 5:30 pm
Special Course 2:
Revision Cervical Spine Surgery: Case Based Discussion and Real Life Scenarios
In partnership with the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS)
This course will cover common yet challenging cervical revision scenarios through case examples and video techniques. Experts will share strategies to revise complex upper cervical spine failures and how to formulate surgical plans for deformity after cervical fusion.
$350 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors:Michael Steinmetz, MD, FAANS, Wilson ‘Zack’ Ray, MD, FAANS, Thomas Mroz, MD
- 1:30 - 5:30 pm
Special Course 3:
Spine Care at the Edge of Human Performance: Elite Athletes and Special Operators
In partnership with the National Spine Health Foundation and Return to Duty Foundation
Explore the management of spine injuries and degenerative conditions in elite athletes and active-duty military personnel, populations where treatment decisions must account for the demands of high-performance activity. Through case-based discussion and expert faculty perspectives, participants will examine factors that influence treatment selection, recovery, and return to unrestricted activity after spine injury or surgery. Emphasis will be placed on balancing clinical evidence, patient goals, and occupational or athletic demands to achieve optimal outcomes in patients whose careers depend on physical readiness.
$350 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: John ‘Jack’ Knightly, MD, FACS, FAANS
- 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Special Course 4:
Advanced Operative Technologies and Tactical Execution in Spine Surgery
In partnership with the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS)
Spine surgery is rapidly evolving through advances in technology. Robotics, image guidance, augmented reality, endoscopy, implant design, nerve stimulation and ablation, bone-cutting technologies, and artificial intelligence are changing how surgeons approach the treatment of symptomatic spinal disease. This intensive four-hour course provides a practical overview of the innovations shaping modern spine care. Participants will evaluate current navigation and robotic systems, compare uniportal and biportal endoscopic approaches, examine the growing role of AI and machine learning, and review advances in implant material science and other emerging technologies.
$350 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Laura Snyder, MD, FAANS, Paul Park, MD, FAANS, Dean Chou, MD, FAANS, Neel Anand, MD
- 7:00 – 11:00 AM
- 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Special Course 5:
Advanced Operative Technologies and Tactical Execution in Spine Surgery
This hands-on cadaveric lab provides practical experience across the spectrum of endoscopic spine surgery, from foundational skills to advanced techniques. Expert faculty from U.S. and international programs will guide participants through uniportal and biportal approaches, including transforaminal and interlaminar techniques, for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine pathology.
Working in small, station-based groups, participants will use endoscopic visualization systems and instrumentation while reviewing surgical anatomy, procedural workflows, common chokepoints, and strategies to improve efficiency. The course is designed to broaden surgeons’ understanding of the techniques, approaches, and clinical applications of endoscopic spine surgery.
$600 | Physicians
$600 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Mark Mahan, MD, FAANS, Christoph Hofstetter, MD, PhD, FAANS, Muhammed Abd-El-Barr, MD
- 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Advanced Practice Providers (APP) Session:
OsteoEDGE: Osteoporosis Evaluation, Diagnosis, & Guideline-based Treatment Education for Spine APPs
In partnership with the National Spine Health Foundation
Designed for APPs involved in spine care, this course provides a practical framework for integrating bone health assessment and osteoporosis management into clinical practice. Topics include bone biology, risk stratification, diagnostic evaluation, medical treatment options, perioperative optimization, and longitudinal follow-up. Faculty experts will present real-world cases and best practices to help participants improve patient care and reduce fracture-related complications. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for building and sustaining effective bone health programs within their organizations.
Once completed, all attendees will receive the OsteoEDGE Certificate of Completion, issued by the National Spine Health Foundation.
$250 | Advanced Practice Providers
Course Directors: Gina Duel, PA-C, Lindsay Orosz, PhD, PA-C
- 3:15-5:45 PM
Special Course 6:
The AI-Enabled Spine Surgeon: Transforming Clinical Care, Research, and Education
In partnership with the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way spine surgery is practiced, with applications spanning clinical decision-making, imaging, surgical planning, workflow optimization and outcomes research. This course will explore how AI is being used across the continuum of spine care, highlighting practical, real-world applications, as well as emerging innovations. Faculty will share their experience implementing AI in clinical practice and research, discuss current challenges and ethical considerations and examine where the field is headed. Participants will leave with a practical understanding of how AI can be thoughtfully integrated into modern spine care.
$250 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Paul Kim, MD, FAANS, Mohamad Bydon, MD, FAANS, Alexander Vaccaro, MD, FACS
- 3:15-5:45 PM
Special Course 7:
Navigating Complex Spine Oncology: Multidisciplinary Care, Surgical Pearls, and Cutting-Edge Technologies
In partnership with AO Spine
This comprehensive course delivers an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation and management of primary bone tumors, metastatic disease and intradural spine oncology. Utilizing the Neurological, Oncological, Mechanical and Systemic (NOMS) framework, attendees will explore patient assessment, radiation treatment paradigms and regional nuances in complex resection and reconstruction across cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine regions. Enriched by high-yield surgical video, the course highlights surgical pearls & examines emerging technologies, including minimally invasive techniques, robotic-assisted resection, carbon fiber hardware and personalized implants. Through interactive case-based discussions, video demonstrations and expert-led presentations, participants will gain actionable insights to optimize clinical decision-making and patient outcomes in complex spine oncology.
$250 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Daniel Sciubba, MD, FAANS, Michael Galgano, MD, FAANS, John Shin, MD, FAANS
- 3:15-5:45 PM
Special Course 8:
Mission Critical: Reanimation, Transfers and Surgical Execution for Complex Nerve Pathologie
This course addresses advanced, evidence-based surgical strategies for managing complex nerve injuries, entrapments, and tumors. Designed for spine and nerve surgeons, this session highlights actionable diagnostic algorithms, nerve transfer procedures and contemporary operative techniques to optimize patient recovery and functional outcomes.
$250 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Justin Brown, MD, FAANS, Elias Rizk, MD, PhD, MSc, FAANS
- 3:15-5:45 pm
Special Course 9:
The Difficult Cases: Complications, Salvage and Second Chances
Every experienced spine surgeon has cases that have changed the way they practice. Hear from experienced faculty about real cases, complications and practical lessons learned. Participants will learn through honest reflection, case presentations, and interactive discussion.
$250 | Physicians
$100 | Residents, Medical Students and APPs
Course Directors: Adam Kanter, MD, FAANS, Christopher Wolfla, MD, FAANS, Charles Sansur, MD, MHSc, FAANS
