AO Surgery Reference is an internet-based resource for the management of fractures, based on current clinical principles, practices and available evidence. It describes the complete surgical management process from diagnosis to aftercare for fractures in a given anatomical region, and also assembles relevant published AO material.

 

Here, Luiz Vialle, editor, tells us about his experience of developing the latest module on thoracolumbar trauma which was launched in December 2014.

 

How has your experience been of working as the editor on this project and what was the main challenge of working on the project?

I was not prepared for the intensity and in-depth involvement needed for the project.

The main challenge was to deliver it on time, as I promised to German Ochoa († 5.8.2014). He warned me about the tremendous amount of work that would go into this project, but I didn’t fully appreciate it until I got started.

 

How do you think the new AO Surgery Reference spine module can be utilized within the existing AOSpine educational framework/activities?

At all levels. For instance, I used the AO Surgery Reference instead of videos for the workshop on Trauma for the Davos courses 2014 and they were very effective. This had never been tried before.

 

Now that the first module on spinal trauma has been published, what are the plans for the remainder of the spine?

Right now we are working on the Cervical Spine module which will be launched at the Davos Courses 2015. Next will be the Sacro Pelvis module in 2016.

 

How does the editorial process ensure the medical correctness and quality of the information AO Surgery Reference provides?

A thorough selection process for the authors; the setting of a Table of Contents; the scheduling of on-site visits for the drawings and finally the editorial revision all take a long time but are important to ensure that only the highest quality of information is included. These steps sometimes even then need a second session for accuracy of the drawings and text box/drawing clarity.

 

What was your main motivation for getting involved in this project?

I was involved for a long time with the spinal fractures classification system, the basis for this module, and so German Ochoa wanted me to run it. It will help the AOSpine fracture classification to be better known. And the entire module was developed around the classification.

 

Who do you think will benefit most from the newly launched module and how?

As always with this kind of educational tool, residents, fellows, and young doctors will

have the greatest benefit. At their hands, they will have the most updated information regarding patient evaluation, diagnostics, indications and surgical techniques with useful tips.

 

How has the newly launched module been received by your fellow surgeons?

During the Davos Courses 2014 I could feel their enthusiasm with AO Surgery Reference thoracolumbar trauma and the number of downloads that I saw there was very impressive. I got a tremendous amount of positive feedback.

 

 

With the Preliminary Program of the Global Spine Congress 2015 now online, Jeff Wang, Chairperson AOSpine International, tells us why surgeons can gain by attending this unique event on May 20-23 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 

 

What makes the Global Spine Congress so special and different from other global congresses?

The Global Spine Congress (GSC) is a truly unique event in many ways. The most important aspect is the high level of international diversity of the faculty, participants and guest societies and industry representatives. I have not attended any other meeting where the presentations, opinions, and treatments are of such a global nature. At the GSC, I meet thought-leaders, colleagues, and make friendships from all over the world. In addition, as the GSC will be taking place in Latin America this year, participants can also choose to attend parallel sessions in Spanish if they prefer.

 

What can participants who are attending the GSC for the first time expect to find at the event in Buenos Aires?

First time participants will have an amazing educational experience. You will partake in contemporary lectures and presentations on all the latest research and evidence from all over the world. You will get to know AOSpine and the vast variety of global activities that we are involved with. You will see all that the organization is doing and see the opportunities that are available to AOSpine members across the world. In summary, you will experience the best academic meeting in an amazing environment.

 

In what ways can experienced surgeons benefit from attending the GSC?

Experienced surgeons will be able to share their ideas and opinions with other thought-leaders from all over the world. In addition, participants will make new friendships and strengthen their life-long relationships with colleagues in a manner that only the AO can facilitate.

 

I am very excited about this meeting and look forward to another amazing experience.

 

 

The Congress takes place in Buenos Aires, Argentina on May 20-23, 2015, and will include:

 

• A parallel program in English and Spanish
• A unique opportunity to share knowledge and develop new approaches in the treatment of spinal disorders
• A highly-regarded scientific program with the participation of guest spine societies
• Lively debates and high level of interaction between participants and spine experts from all over the world

Klaus Schnake talks about AOSpine's latest educational video which demonstrates percutaneous minimally invasive treatment of a degenerative spondylolisthesis L3/4 using polyaxial screws and pre-lordosed rods.

 

What can the AOSpine community expect from the new educational video and how will it help them in their practice?  What will they gain from watching the video?

The video provides tips and tricks on how to perform minimally invasive surgery successfully. Viewers can learn about the benefits of choosing a percutaneous minimally invasive treatment using POLYAXIAL screws and pre-lordosed rods for the treatment of a degenerative spondylolisthesis lumbar spine.

 

 

AOSpine has more than 900 teaching videos which are available exclusively to AOSpine members.  What do you believe is the main value of this member benefit to surgeons?  How beneficial are these videos as a teaching tool?

The AOSpine teaching videos allow for lifelong learning.  They provide valuable information for surgeons at every level: for those at the beginning of their career and also for those with a wealth of experience.  They are a useful refresher for surgeons performing certain surgeries infrequently and also provide valuable information on products and implants.

 

 

According to the recent AOSpine member survey, the educational offerings of the AOSpine membership is the main reason for becoming a member.  How can AOSpine help to make members better surgeons?

Face-to-face courses are the most valuable teaching tool for a surgeon.  AOSpine offers unique courses for even advanced surgeons.  In addition to the afore mentioned teaching videos, the AOSpine books and journals also contain profound and current knowledge and our webinars help to increase knowledge in special topics with the chance to interact and discuss with others.  Our newsletter and website help to keep surgeons updated and connected.  Finally, the Global Spine Congress gives surgeons the opportunity to present their own research activities in a global setting.

 

AOSpine is working to constantly bring you the latest and best in spine education and research whilst keeping you connected to surgeons from around the world, and that's how it makes members better surgeons.