This year’s ETSS will cover a range of topics, with a central focus on minimally invasive surgery (MIS), motion-sparing techniques, and the role of technologies like AR/VR and AI. With the meeting’s limited size, attendees have a unique opportunity to learn from both physician leaders and tech experts, with each session allowing time for open dialogue with faculty.

One of the major areas of interest for the 2025 ETSS is the expanding role of robotics and navigation in spine surgery. These technologies are becoming increasingly essential; however, Course Director John DeVine, MD, notes that significant barriers to adoption still exist, including “expense, space, training, and sustainability” considerations​. These challenges, along with advancements in preoperative planning and intraoperative precision, will be discussed in the session, Spectrum of Navigation/Robotics in Spine Surgery.

The program also offers dedicated sessions on motion-sparing techniques, highlighting innovations in disc arthroplasty and patient-specific implants. Experts in these fields will dive into the benefits and limitations of these emerging techniques and take questions from attendees.

One of the most anticipated topics of discussion is integrating robotics and navigation technologies. Thursday morning’s session on Robotics, which will explore the ways these technologies are being implemented for minimally invasive and open spine surgeries. The session also features real life experience with integrating in robotics and navigation into practice. According to DeVine, while robotics has been a part of spine surgery for over a decade, the technology is now evolving to be more adaptable, addressing complex spinal conditions with greater precision and minimizing invasiveness. He notes that practices should consider their specific capabilities and limitations when considering robotics, as “not all operating rooms will be able to accommodate this technology.”​

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) and motion-sparing techniques are increasingly popular treatment choices. ETSS will feature discussions about motion preservation procedures, such as disc arthroplasty and total lumbar disc replacement, as well as the latest MIS techniques, endoscopic procedures, and patient-specific implants. According to Hsieh, “endoscopic spine surgery and patient-specific planning are especially promising for the future of spine care​.”

AI, AR, and VR are becoming more widely used in spine surgery, particularly in the areas of preoperative 0planning and real-time navigation. Hsieh believes AI’s use in spine surgery is here to stay, but “for AI to be truly transformative, there needs to be greater advancement in digitizing patient data that is comprehensive, objective, and free from bias. Achieving this goal requires significant consideration and balance between the need to know the patients and respect their privacy. Future public policy and regulations in this area will play a significant role in how AI technology is implemented in patients and their treatments.”

The ETSS agenda also includes discussions on AR and VR, especially for MISS. AR and VR are valuable in preoperative visualization, which aids in minimizing surgical complications and improving outcomes. According to Hsieh, AR/VR’s potential is significant, particularly as an aid for surgeons transitioning to MI techniques where visualization is limited compared to traditional open surgeries.

ETSS 2025 is designed to send attendees back to their practices with immediately actionable insights. Hsieh says attendees “should expect to learn about the latest experiences from expert surgeons and faculty on topics such as minimally invasive surgery, endoscopic surgery, motion-sparing surgeries, enabling surgical technology, and adult deformity surgery.” Beyond the session room, the Technical Exhibition will give attendees the chance to get hands-on with the latest tools​.

The interdisciplinary nature of the summit fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing across specialties, which Hsieh believes is critical for effective spine care. Through these joint sessions, attendees can gain diverse perspectives not typically available in standard practice settings​.