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    Ticketed Session

    Special Course 5: Translating Evidence to Action: How ISSG Research Has Evolved My Practice of Spine Deformity Surgery—And How It Can Improve Yours

    Saturday, February 28, 2026
    3:00 PM - 5:30 PM MST

    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.

    Separate registration is required.

    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. 

    Presentations:

    • 3:00 PM - 3:03 PM MST
      Course Overview

      Speaker: Shay Bess, MD – Colorado Scoliosis and Spine Specialists

      Speaker: Virginie Lafage, PhD – Lenox Hill Hospital

    • 3:04 PM - 3:17 PM MST
      Evolution of Thoracolumbar Spinal Alignment Targets Have Changed My Practice

      Speaker: Jeffrey L. Gum, MD – Norton Leatherman Spine Center

    • 3:18 PM - 3:31 PM MST
      Use of Surgical Planning and Patient Specific Implants to Improve Your Surgical Outcomes

      Speaker: Gregory M. Mundis, Jr., MD – San Diego Spine Foundation

    • 3:32 PM - 3:45 PM MST
      Safe Treatment of High Grade Spondylisthesis: Lessons Learned

      Speaker: Khaled M. Kebaish, MD – Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

    • 3:46 PM - 3:52 PM MST
      Questions
    • 3:53 PM - 4:06 PM MST
      Evolution of Appropriate Indications for MIS Treatment of Adult Spinal Deformity

      Speaker: Dean Chou, MD – Columbia University

    • 4:07 PM - 4:20 PM MST
      Do Smaller Selective MIS Fusions Have Better Outcomes Than Larger Open Correction in Patients With Moderate Adult Spinal Deformity

      Speaker: Paul Park, MD – Semmes Murphey Clinic

    • 4:21 PM - 4:34 PM MST
      Technology Innovations That Have Improved MIS Deformity Surgery and What Innovations Do We Need?

      Speaker: David O. Okonkwo, MD, PhD – University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

    • 4:35 PM - 4:41 PM MST
      Questions
    • 4:42 PM - 4:55 PM MST
      My Evolution for Correcting Cervical Deformities and Why I Changed

      Speaker: Munish Gupta, MD, MBA – Washington University

    • 4:56 PM - 5:09 PM MST
      Application of Cervical Alignment Targets and How to Achieve

      Speaker: Peter G. Passias, MD – Duke University

    • 5:10 PM - 5:23 PM MST
      How Cervical Deformity Patients are Different from Thoracolumbar and How I Avoid Complications

      Speaker: Christopher I. Shaffrey, MD, FACS, FAANS – Duke University Medical Center

    • 5:24 PM - 5:30 PM MST
      Questions/Wrap Up