Overview of basic techniques in the spine

Our general goal of AO Surgery Reference is to provide users with an up-to-date tool that facilitates their learning and surgical practice.

The reorganization of the basic techniques aims to align content and improve its access, especially for faculty and participants of AOSpine courses.

The basic techniques, scattered all over the spine modules, have been gathered, consolidated, and reviewed. A set of most relevant links has then been added to each spine module for improved accessibility and visibility.

All currently available basic techniques in the spine section of AO Surgery Reference are listed below.

This page provides a structured guide to basic surgical techniques in the spine. Each technique includes indications, step-by-step instructions, and visual aids.

The techniques are grouped in two ways for easy navigation:

• By technique type – focused on the nature of the procedure
• By spine section – organized according to anatomical regions

• Pedicle screw insertion in the cervical spine (C3 to C7)
• C2 pedicle screw insertion
• Pedicle screw insertion in the thoracic spine
• Pedicle screw insertion in T1–T3
• Pedicle screw insertion in the lumbar spine
• Occipital condyle screw insertion
• C1 lateral mass screw insertion
• C2 pars screw insertion
• C2 laminar screw insertion
• Anterior C1–C2 transarticular screw insertion
• Posterior C1–C2 transarticular screw insertion
• Lateral mass screw insertion (Magerl technique)
• Laminar screw insertion in T1 and T2
• Iliac screw insertion
• Iliosacral screw insertion (incl video)
• S1 Pedicle and delta screw insertion

• Sublaminar wire insertion in the management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
• Hook insertion for management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

• Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF): indicated in degenerative disc disease, may be used as salvage procedure
• Cervical discectomy

• Instrumentation for occipitocervical fixation
• PMMA application for vertebral body reconstruction (lumbar spine): can be performed elsewhere in the spine
• Repair of dural laceration
• Ligation of nerves

• Occipital condyle screw insertion
• Anterior C1–C2 transarticular screw insertion
• Posterior C1–C2 transarticular screw insertion
• C1 lateral mass screw insertion
• C2 pedicle screw insertion
• C2 pars screw insertion
• C2 laminar screw insertion
• Lateral mass screw insertion (Magerl technique)
• Pedicle screw insertion in the cervical spine (C3 to C7)

• Anterior C1–C2 transarticular screw insertion
• C2 pedicle screw insertion
• C2 pars screw insertion
• C2 laminar screw insertion
• Lateral mass screw insertion (Magerl technique)
• Pedicle screw insertion in the cervical spine (C3 to C7)
• Pedicle screw insertion in T1–T3
• Anterior plating
• Cervical discectomy
• Repair of dural laceration
• PMMA application for vertebral body reconstruction

• Pedicle screw insertion in T1–T3
• Pedicle screw insertion in the thoracic spine
• Pedicle screw insertion in the lumbar spine
• Schanz pin insertion in the thoracolumbar spine
• Iliac screw insertion
• S1 Pedicle and delta screw insertion
• Posterior decompression techniques in the thoracolumbar spine
• Repair of dural laceration
• Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)
• PMMA application for vertebral body reconstruction

• Pedicle screw insertion in the lumbar spine
• S1 Pedicle and delta screw insertion
• Iliac screw insertion
• Iliosacral screw insertion
• Repair of dural laceration
• Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)