Educational Program: Symposia

Presented by the Section on Innovative Spine Research and Novel Technologies, this symposium offers a real-world look at the road from concept to clinical adoption in spine innovation. Explore advances- and persistent challenges- in biomechanics, endoscopy, robotics, and disc regeneration. Gain insight into the evolving clinical trial landscape and what it takes to bring next-generation technologies to the bedside.

Presented by the Section on Spinal Cord Injury, this symposium addresses the rising complexity of traumatic spine injuries in elderly patients with comorbidities and spinal stiffening conditions like AS and DISH. Through case-based discussion, explore surgical strategies, perioperative challenges, and the role of advanced technologies including navigation and robotics. Faculty will also examine emerging approaches to spinal cord injury management in this high-risk population.

As spino-pelvic imbalance becomes increasingly common in aging patients with coexisting spine and hip pathology, advanced measurement tools are transforming surgical planning. This interdisciplinary symposium explores emerging techniques- including AI-enhanced imaging and intraoperative navigation- to optimize correction, improve alignment, and reduce complications like hip dislocation. Through collaborative case discussions and surgical strategy insights, faculty will highlight how new analyses are reshaping decision-making for both spine and hip surgeons.

Presented by the Section on Interdisciplinary Spine Care, this session explores the expanding role of gait analysis in evaluating functional impairment and recovery in patients with spinal disorders. Learn how objective metrics—ranging from stride and joint motion to neuromuscular patterns—can enhance diagnosis, guide treatment planning, and predict surgical outcomes across the continuum of spine care.

As spino-pelvic imbalance becomes increasingly common in aging patients with coexisting spine and hip pathology, advanced measurement tools are transforming surgical planning. This interdisciplinary symposium explores emerging techniques- including AI-enhanced imaging and intraoperative navigation- to optimize correction, improve alignment, and reduce complications like hip dislocation. Through collaborative case discussions and surgical strategy insights, faculty will highlight how new analyses are reshaping decision-making for both spine and hip surgeons.

Explore the evolving landscape of intervertebral disc therapeutics in this thought-provoking symposium. From legacy approaches like steroids and thermal ablation to cutting-edge biologics, stem cells, and disease-modifying pharmaceuticals—discover how these minimally invasive strategies may shift the treatment paradigm for degenerative disc disease, reduce reliance on surgery, and transform spine care.

Presented by the Section on Spinal Deformity, this interactive symposium uses real-world cases to explore key considerations in adult spinal deformity surgery. Topics include alignment goals, level selection, prevention of proximal junctional kyphosis, patient optimization, and when to apply minimally invasive techniques- all paired with expert insights and technical pearls to enhance surgical decision-making.

Presented by the Section on Comprehensive Episodes of Spine Care, this interactive, case-based symposium tackles the diagnostic and treatment challenges of patients with overlapping hip and lumbosacral conditions. Gain practical, evidence-based strategies to improve evaluation and treatment planning—and avoid common pitfalls that can lead to treatment failure.

Presented by the Section on Interdisciplinary Spine Care, this session spotlights healthcare systems that are successfully delivering guideline-concordant, high-value care for back pain. Explore real-world models aligned with clinical practice guidelines, review the latest evidence supporting conservative first-line care, and examine the systemic barriers- like payer policies and network design- that hinder broader adoption.

Presented by the Section on Multidisciplinary Surgical Approaches in the Spine, this high-yield, debate-style symposium brings leading surgeons head-to-head to explore best practices for ALIF, OLIF, and TLIF. Through expert comparisons and case-driven discussion, examine safety, reproducibility, and patient outcomes across techniques-culminating in a dynamic panel dialogue to help inform your own surgical decision-making.