Knowledge Forums

The AO's Knowledge Forums (KFs) are expert-driven global clinical study groups generating and disseminating knowledge.  

They were established by AO Spine in October 2010 to conduct evidence-based research in the spine pathologies of tumor, deformity, spinal cord injury (SCI), trauma and infection, and degenerative disease. The study results are published and disseminated in the most influential journals and conferences all over the world. Their output ensures that AO Spine remains the premier innovator and knowledge provider of spine care worldwide. 

How we work


Each AO Spine KF is led by a Steering Committee comprised of up to ten internationally-recognized pathology-specific experts and are supported by 30+ members. Members have been selected based on their research expertise, clinical involvement, and caseload. They meet to discuss research, identify the global clinical need, then formulate and execute clinical studies to advance their field of spine expertise. Today, there are more than 200+ expert spine clinicians and researchers from over 33 countries contributing as members of the AO Spine KFs.

“I had this idea that knowledge is power. In the future, organizations that create knowledge will have the power."

Luiz Vialle, Founder of the Knowledge Forums


AO Spine Knowledge Forums


KF Tumor

Leading the way in spine oncology research—an international network of spine oncology centers committed to collaborative prospective multicenter research.

KF Deformity

Creating a common language and framework for all parties with focus on both adolescent and adult deformity patients.

KF Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Building on worldwide partnerships for global impact—defining new treatment approaches to enhance outcomes for all SCI patients.


KF Trauma and Infection

Systematically bringing the world on the same page by developing simple, clinically useful, diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms.

KF Degenerative

Helping surgeons to make the best choice—increasing awareness of evidence supporting the use of different osteobiologic products.


Latest Knowledge Forum Outcomes
and Clinical Tools


KF TRAUMA

Injury classification systems

Download AO Spine Classification System toolkits and watch the instructional videos: thoracolumbar, sacral, subaxial, and upper cervical.

KF TUMOR

SOSGOQ2.0

Learn more about this validated reliable outcome tool for spine oncology patients by AO Spine Knowledge Forum Tumor.

KF SPINAL CORD INJURY (SCI)

Treatment guidelines

Discover the AO Spine Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy and Traumatic SCI.


You might also be interested in


Global Spine Congress (GSC)

Meet the AO Spine Knowledge Forums and gather the latest knowledge to improve your clinical spine practice at the GSC.

Global Spine Journal (GSJ)

Understand key concepts and pressing issues in spine from the focus issue AO Spine Knowledge Forums: driving research, discovery, and innovation in spine.

News

Read the latest news from the AO Spine Knowledge Forums.

 

Video lectures by AO Spine Knowledge Forum Tumor

Learn from the AO Spine Knowledge Forum experts about important topics and outcomes related to spine oncology.