Focus On – Neurosurgery
14/11/2026 - 16/11/2026 Vienna / Austria
Focus On – Neurosurgery
Spinal Surgery II: Stabilisation Techniques MasterClass
Program Director:
Principal Course Master(s):
Course Master(s):
Course Overview
The Spinal Surgery 2 MasterClass is an advanced, hands-on course designed to equip veterinary surgeons with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform various spinal stabilization procedures for trauma and instability in small animals.
This intensive 3-day program includes both theoretical lectures and practical exercises on canine cadavers. Participants will explore spinal stabilization at all spinal levels using techniques such as locking plates, pedicle screw-rod fixation, and pins and/or screws with PMMA. Preoperative planning and postoperative assessment will be covered through diagnostic imaging, alongside discussions on procedural complications and postoperative management.
This course is tailored for veterinary surgeons with prior experience in neurosurgery, particularly those proficient in neurological examinations and decompressive surgeries. Residents training under ECVN, ECVS, and ACVSprograms are highly encouraged to join.
Aims/Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this MasterClass, participants will be able to:
- Develop treatment plans for spinal conditions requiring stabilization.
- Utilize diagnostic imaging for preoperative planning and postoperative assessment.
- Understand the biomechanical principles of spinal stabilization in small animals.
- Select and apply appropriate implants and instrumentation for various spinal procedures.
- Perform different stabilization techniques based on spinal location and construct type.
- Identify intraoperative and postoperative complications and implement effective solutions.
- Establish a postoperative management plan for spinal stabilization patients.
Course Program (Subject to change)
Saturday, 14 November 2026
08:00 – 08:30 Registration
08:30 – 08:45 Introduction
08:45 – 09:15 Imaging of the spine for surgical planning Hettlich
09:15 – 09:45 Introduction to spine anatomy, biomechanics and spine surgery (tools) Meij
09:45 – 10:15 Spinal implants – pins, screws, plates Hettlich
10:15 – 10:45 Coffee Break
10:45 – 11:15 Spinal implants – pedicle screw rod system Meij
11:15 – 11:45 Configuration and stability of spinal trauma Hettlich
11:45 – 12:30 How to approach the spinal trauma patient Gradner
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch Break
13:30 – 14:15 How to approach the atlantoaxial instability patient Hettlich
14:15 – 15:00 How to approach the cervical spondylomyelopathy patient Meij
15:00 – 15:30 Coffee Break
15:30 – 16:15 How to approach the lumbosacral stenosis patient Meij
16:15 – 16:45 Imaging for postoperative assessment Hettlich
16:45 – 17:15 Postoperative care after spinal stabilization Meij
17:15 – 17:30 Questions
Sunday, 15 November 2026
08:00 – 08:30 Surgical anatomy and technique for fixation of the thoracolumbar spine Hettlich
08:30 – 10:30 Practical 1: TL fixation with pins and PMMA Hettlich
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee Break
11:00 – 11:30 Surgical anatomy and technique for fixation of the lumbar spine Meij
11:30 – 13:00 Practical 2: Lumbar fixation with locking plate Meij
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break
14:00 – 14:30 Surgical anatomy and technique for fixation of the lumbosacral spine Meij
14:30 – 16:00 Practical 3: LS fixation with pedicle screw rod fixation Meij
16:00 – 16:30 Coffee Break
16:30 – 17:30 Postoperative assessment and discussion
17:30 – 17:45 Questions
Monday, 16 November 2026
08:00 – 08:30 Surgical anatomy and technique for fixation of the cervical spine Hettlich
08:30 – 10:00 Practical 4: Cervical fixation with screws and PMMA Hettlich
10:00 – 10:30 Coffee Break
10:30 – 12:00 Practical 5: Cervical fixation with locking plates Meij
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch Break
13:00 – 13:30 Surgical anatomy and technique for fixation of the atlantoaxial spine Hettlich
13:30 – 15:00 Practical 6: Atlantoaxial fixation with screws and PMMA Hettlich
15:00 – 15:30 Coffee Break
15:30 – 16:15 Postoperative assessment and discussion
16:15 – 16:30 Questions.
16:30 End of the course
Focus On – Neurosurgery
Date:
14/11/2026 - 16/11/2026Location:
Vienna / Austria
14/11/2026 - 16/11/2026Location:
Vienna / Austria
Tuition fee*:
EUR 3.750.-
Early registration fee*:
EUR 3.650.-
Early registration deadline:
01/06/2026
Total hours:
TBA
ATF hours (AU, DE, LU, CH):
TBA
ECTS credits (Master & Certificate):
* eLibrary access is included in the course fee
