NSpine Cadaveric Training Course 2026

Our course is designed to empower the next generation of spinal surgeons through immersive,hands-on training in Endoscopy, ALIF/XLIF, MIS TILF and Cervical procedures.

Led by an esteemed international and local faculty, handpicked for their unparalleled expertise and dedication to teaching, this event is set within the state-of-the-art Sunskill Laboratory at the prestigious Bio-medical Research Institute of Stellenbosch University.

Course Structure:

Delegates will receive up to 2 full days of hands-on training through a modular rotation at workstations.

Incorporated in the course structure, delegates will also get access to our case discussions lead by local and international experts.

We look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town!


Course Format and Content

Course format:
Whole day dissection and reconstruction workshop across different workstations
Training sessions are augmented by case discussions during delegate rotation.
All delegates are guaranteed a hands-on session within their program
Maximum delegate number per workstation is 3 with faculty rotating.

Learning objectives:

To perform posterior and anterior approaches to the subaxial spine
To anatomically dissect muscle layers, vascular, visceral and neural structures, hereby gaining a detailed understanding of the surgical topography.
Where applicable correctly handle endoscopic and microsurgical visual aids and instruments
Where applicable perform neural decompression and other defined procedures around anterior and lateral reconstruction of the lumbar and subaxial cervical spine.

Anterior Cervical:
Discectomy
Corpectomy uncinate resection
Vertebral Artery Identification and control.
Safe instrumentation placement with minimal to no imaging support

Posterior Cervical:
CCJ and Subaxial Spine Instrumentation options and practice
Subaxial Cervical Spine
Upper Thoracic Spine Instrumentation and practice
ACDF
Using anatomy only for safe instrumentation placement.

Endoscopy:
Plan Approach Trajectory
Imaging-Palpation of target area
Direct visualisation of important anatomical landmarks
Deherniation (IELD – Interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy: Laminotomy, Flavum Split, Discectomy
Decompression ( LE-ULBD – Lumbar Endoscopic Unilateral Laminotomy for Bilateral Decompression): Ipsilateral / contralateral laminotomy, Flavectomy
Radiographic landmarks
Needle placement and understanding correct docking
Regional anatomy of foramen
SAP exposure and osteotomy (this includes foraminotomy)
Discectomy – Annulotomy

ALIF/XLIF:
Understand the relevant anatomy related to the ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) and XLIF (Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion) approaches.
Identify key anatomical landmarks and structures using cadaveric specimens.
Demonstrate proficiency in the surgical techniques involved in ALIF and XLIF procedures.
Recognize the indications and contraindications for each surgical approach.
Analyze and evaluate patient cases to determine the appropriate surgical approach for various spinal pathologies.
Discuss pre-operative planning and risk assessment for ALIF and XLIF surgeries.
Gain hands-on experience in performing surgical techniques on cadaveric specimens.
Practice the safe handling of instruments and adherence to surgical protocols.
Identify potential complications associated with ALIF and XLIF procedures.
Discuss strategies for complication prevention and management during surgery.
Understand the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in planning and executing spinal surgeries.
Engage in discussions with peers about case presentations and surgical decision-making.

TLIF:
To plan and set up surgery for MIS TLIF
To correctly handle and insert devices and implants
Correctly position and identify fluoroscopy landmarks for MIS TLIF
Correctly conduct the sequence of steps in handling instruments, exposing neural structures, performing discectomy and correctly insert implants

Learning outcomes (after the event, delegates will be able to):
Perform technical steps of posterior endoscopic foraminotomy.
Perform posterior and anterior approaches to the subaxial cervical spine.
Perform anterior decompressive techniques including discectomy and resective techniques including subaxial vertebrectomy
Perform anterior and posterior reconstructive techniques including ACDF / TDR, vertebral body replacement lateral mass and pedicle screw fixation.
Perform technical steps of Anterior and Lateral lumbar interbody fixation.
Perform technical steps of interlaminar and transforaminal endoscopy.