Special Courses
Elevate your 2026 Spine Summit experience by incorporating specialized courses into your itinerary. 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.
- 1:30 - 5:30 pm
Special Course 1:
Beyond Limits in Cervical Spine Surgery: Elevating Safety and Quality
In partnership with the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS)
This course will explore the latest strategies for treating degenerative cervical pathologies, including fusion and non-fusion operations for myeloradiculopathy. Key techniques, emerging technologies and complication management, debated by orthopedic and neurosurgeon experts, will be discussed. The focus will be on trailblazing approaches and innovations that enhance safety and minimize complications.
$350 | Physicians
$100 | Residents/Medical Students
Exclusively supported by Carlsmed
This course will explore the latest strategies for treating degenerative cervical pathologies, including fusion and non-fusion operations for myeloradiculopathy. Key techniques, emerging technologies and complication management, debated by orthopedic and neurosurgeon experts, will be discussed. The focus will be on trailblazing approaches and innovations that enhance safety and minimize complications.
Learning Objectives:
- Advanced Knowledge: Identify of both fusion and non-fusion surgical options for degenerative cervical pathologies, grounded in the latest evidence.
- Practical Skills: Techniques and approaches to improve clinical practice, focusing on quality, safety and advanced technologies.
- Innovative Solutions: Insights into overcoming challenges in cervical spine surgery, enhancing patient safety and minimizing complications, informed by expert debate.
- 1:30 - 5:30 pm
Special Course 2:
Lumbar Spine: Innovations in Motion Preservation, Endoscopy, Complex Case Management and Next-Generation Technologies
In partnership with the Lumbar Spine Research Society (LSRS)
This program explores the latest in lumbar spine surgery, covering motion preservation, endoscopic techniques, complex case management and emerging technologies. Expert faculty will share evidence-based strategies, debate challenging cases and highlight innovations in biologics, imaging and AI to optimize patient outcomes.
$350 | Physicians
$100 | Residents/Medical Students
This program explores the latest in lumbar spine surgery, covering motion preservation, endoscopic techniques, complex case management and emerging technologies. Expert faculty will share evidence-based strategies, debate challenging cases and highlight innovations in biologics, imaging and AI to optimize patient outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate current and emerging motion preservation strategies in lumbar spine surgery.
- Compare uniportal and biportal endoscopic techniques.
- Analyze complex lumbar spine cases and technological innovations.
- 1:30 - 5:30 pm
Special Course 3:
Advances in Adult Spinal Deformity: Optimization, Alignment,
Techniques and Complication Management
In partnership with the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
This session equips neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons with a structured approach to evaluating and managing spinal deformities, emphasizing alignment principles. Participants will gain insight into advanced osteotomy techniques and intraoperative strategies, along with perioperative optimization methods—such as nutrition, bone health and frailty assessment—to improve patient outcomes and recovery.
$350 | Physicians
$100 | Residents/Medical Students
This session equips neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons with a structured approach to evaluating and managing spinal deformities, emphasizing alignment principles. Participants will gain insight into advanced osteotomy techniques and intraoperative strategies, along with perioperative optimization methods—such as nutrition, bone health and frailty assessment—to improve patient outcomes and recovery.
Learning Objectives:
- Equip neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons with a comprehensive framework for evaluating and managing spinal deformities, emphasizing the importance of alignment principles.
- Expose participants to cutting-edge intraoperative strategies with a focus on varying types of osteotomies.
- Foster awareness of perioperative optimization strategies—such as nutrition and frailty assessment—that contribute to better patient outcomes.
- 8 am – 12 pm (AM Lab) OR 1 - 5 pm (PM Lab)
Two Lab Options – Morning or Afternoon | A complimentary lunch will be provided for all participants from 12–1 pm.
Special Course 4:
The Endoscopic Spine
In partnership with the Korean Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Society (KOMISS)
This hands-on cadaveric lab offers participants practical experience across a spectrum of endoscopic spine surgery techniques, from basic to advanced. Led by expert faculty from both U.S. and international programs, the course will cover transforaminal, interlaminar and biportal approaches for cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine pathology. Through small-group, station-based instruction, participants will gain hands-on experience with endoscopic instrumentation, surgical anatomy and procedural workflows. The goal is to expose surgeons to the diverse techniques, approaches and clinical applications of endoscopic spine surgery.
The labs will be held off-site at the Barrow Neurological Institute, with transportation provided to and from the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. Detailed transportation schedules will be shared closer to the event.
Spots are limited for each course, sign up early!
Special Course 4 – Morning Session has reached maximum enrollment. Join the waitlist to be notified if any spots become available. Please note that due to high demand, availability cannot be guaranteed.
$600
This hands-on cadaveric lab offers participants practical experience across a spectrum of endoscopic spine surgery techniques, from basic to advanced. Led by expert faculty from both U.S. and international programs, the course will cover transforaminal, interlaminar and biportal approaches for cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine pathology. Through small-group, station-based instruction, participants will gain hands-on experience with endoscopic instrumentation, surgical anatomy and procedural workflows. The goal is to expose surgeons to the diverse techniques, approaches and clinical applications of endoscopic spine surgery.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key anatomical landmarks relevant to endoscopic cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine surgery.
- Differentiate between uniportal and biportal endoscopic techniques and understand their clinical indications.
- Perform essential steps of endoscopic discectomy and decompression using cadaveric specimens.
- Gain hands-on familiarity with video systems and instrumentation from leading endoscopic platforms.
- Describe the instrumentation and workflow involved in endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).
- 1:30 - 5:30 pm
An APP Toolbelt to Navigating Spine Care:
Knowing When to Wait, Medicate, or Operate!
This comprehensive course equips Advanced Practice Providers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel as leaders in spine care. Through expert-led lectures, interactive panels, and hands-on training, participants will explore advanced imaging interpretation, differentiate pathology mimics, optimize patients for fusion, assess risks of pain procedures, and navigate surgical decision-making from arthrodesis versus arthroplasty to surgical corridor selection. Practical pearls in wound closure, navigation setup, and physical exam techniques are reinforced in immersive skills stations, ensuring attendees leave with immediately applicable strategies to enhance patient outcomes and elevate their clinical practice. This course will close with a Collaboration Cocktails Session, where course attendees will have the opportunity to exchange insights, build professional relationships, and get their questions answered in an informal environment.
$50 | Advanced Practice Providers
Supported by SI-Bone
- 3 - 5:30 pm
Special Course 5:
Translating Evidence to Action: How ISSG Research Has Evolved My Practice of Spine Deformity Surgery—And How It Can Improve Yours
In partnership with the International Spine Study Group (ISSG)
This course provides an in-depth exploration of advanced surgical techniques for the treatment of adult cervical and thoracolumbar deformities. Participants will gain insights into advanced surgical planning, minimally invasive and open surgical strategies to optimize patient outcomes for cervical and thoracolumbar spine deformities and an overview of new technologies that have emerged to improve care. Led by expert surgeons and researchers, this course integrates cutting-edge approaches from the ISSGF to enhance clinical decision-making and operative techniques.
$250 | Physicians
$100 | Residents/Medical Students
This course provides an in-depth exploration of advanced surgical techniques for the treatment of adult cervical and thoracolumbar deformities. Participants will gain insights into advanced surgical planning, minimally invasive and open surgical strategies to optimize patient outcomes for cervical and thoracolumbar spine deformities and an overview of new technologies that have emerged to improve care. Led by expert surgeons and researchers, this course integrates cutting-edge approaches from the ISSGF to enhance clinical decision-making and operative techniques.
Learning Objectives:
- Review how high-impact ISSG studies have changed clinical decision making for open and MIS surgical strategies for cervical and thoracolumbar spine deformities.
- Participate in case-based presentations from ISSG faculty that illustrate the translation of research into improved patient outcomes and surgical safety.
- Explore how to integrate ISSG principles and innovations to evolve your spine deformity practice through interactive discussions.
- 3 - 5:30 pm
Special Course 6:
Save Your Patient and Yourself: Complication Management
Learn practical strategies to identify and manage complications in endoscopic spine surgery, determine when to convert cervical arthroplasty to arthrodesis and address postoperative lumbar issues using minimally invasive techniques. Faculty will share real-world cases to help you improve patient outcomes and protect your practice.
$250 | Physicians
$100 | Residents/Medical Students
Learn practical strategies to identify and manage complications in endoscopic spine surgery, determine when to convert cervical arthroplasty to arthrodesis and address postoperative lumbar issues using minimally invasive techniques. Faculty will share real-world cases to help you improve patient outcomes and protect your practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify those complications that are unique to endoscopic spine surgery and their management.
- Recognize those patients where cervical arthroplasty may require conversion to arthrodesis.
- Review the minimally invasive options for management of postoperative lumbar complications.
- 3 - 5:30 pm
Special Course 7:
State of The Art Tumor Management
This course will explore core principles of spine oncology in addition to advanced topics framed around complex case management and applications of technology. Innovative surgical and non-surgical approaches to spine tumor management will be highlighted. Through expert-led discussions and case-based video reviews, participants will appreciate how, why and when to incorporate disruptive technologies into spine tumor treatment strategies. The program aims to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in complex spine tumor cases.
$250 | Physicians
$100 | Residents/Medical Students
Exclusively supported by icotec
This course will explore core principles of spine oncology in addition to advanced topics framed around complex case management and applications of technology. Innovative surgical and non-surgical approaches to spine tumor management will be highlighted. Through expert-led discussions and case-based video reviews, participants will appreciate how, why and when to incorporate disruptive technologies into spine tumor treatment strategies. The program aims to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in complex spine tumor cases.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the application of advanced technologies, such as augmented reality, robotics and 3D implants, in improving precision and outcomes in spinal tumor resection.
- Engage in interactive discussions around case-based clinical scenarios to gain insights into different rationales for the treatment of spinal tumors.
- Explore non-surgical management strategies, including interventional techniques, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), proton therapy and harnessing molecular markers, to optimize spine tumor treatment planning.
- 3 - 5:30 pm
Special Course 8:
The Future Is Now – Learning the Future Spine Surgeries that Modulate Spinal Cord Functions
Functional spine has emerged as a promising new subspecialty within spine surgery. Unlike traditional approaches that focus primarily on neural decompression and spinal stabilization, functional spine surgery aims to directly modulate spinal cord function. This paradigm shift is driven by our expanding understanding of the spinal cord’s complex circuitry and rapid advances in neuromodulatory technologies. These developments have given rise to a new frontier in spine care—functional spine surgery—which complements conventional structural interventions by targeting neural circuits to restore meaningful function.
This course will introduce spine surgeons to the foundational concepts and evolving techniques in this emerging field. Participants will explore cutting-edge strategies such as spinal cord epidural stimulation for spinal cord injury and other conditions not traditionally addressed by spine surgery. The course will also cover innovative approaches including nerve re-innervation and brain-computer interface technologies.
$250 | Physicians
$100 | Residents/Medical Students
Functional spine has emerged as a promising new subspecialty within spine surgery. Unlike traditional approaches that focus primarily on neural decompression and spinal stabilization, functional spine surgery aims to directly modulate spinal cord function. This paradigm shift is driven by our expanding understanding of the spinal cord’s complex circuitry and rapid advances in neuromodulatory technologies. These developments have given rise to a new frontier in spine care—functional spine surgery—which complements conventional structural interventions by targeting neural circuits to restore meaningful function.
This course will introduce spine surgeons to the foundational concepts and evolving techniques in this emerging field. Participants will explore cutting-edge strategies such as spinal cord epidural stimulation for spinal cord injury and other conditions not traditionally addressed by spine surgery. The course will also cover innovative approaches including nerve re-innervation and brain-computer interface technologies.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the emerging subspecialty of functional spine surgery and its potential to transform the future of spine care.
- Describe the indications, techniques and clinical applications of spinal epidural stimulation in spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions.
- Recognize additional innovative surgical approaches in functional spine, including nerve re-innervation and brain-computer interface.
