A Comprehensive, 4-Day Intensive Training Program
Detailed information on how to register and sign up can be found at the bottom of the page.
Date: 2 – 5 March 2026
Time: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: IVC Evidensia Academy, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
Discover the Future of Veterinary Spine Surgery!
Join us for an immersive wet lab experience featuring cutting-edge techniques and technologies.
Led by internationally recognized experts, this immersive course combines Expert-led lectures & case discussions, Extensive wet labs with modern technology, Integration of cutting-edge tools (3D guides, pedicle screw and cages, Exoscope), Unique opportunity for scientific collaboration & co-authorship
Course Masters
Niklas Bergknut – Host/Speaker
DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECVN
EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery
IVC Evidensia, The Netherlands
Luc Smolders – Host/Speaker
DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECVS
EBVS® European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
IVC Evidensia, Switzerland / The Netherlands
Koen Santifort – Co-host/Auxiliary Speaker
DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECVN
EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery
IVC Evidensia, The Netherlands
Key Highlights
- Patient-specific 3D drill guides (developed with VET3D) – precision planning and intraoperative use during wet labs.
- Pre and post “op” CTs will be made of the surgical specimens. Each pair of delegates will receive the CT of their specimen before the course starts. You will bring your own laptop with CT viewer for calculating length, size, and positioning of the implants ands also for evaluation “post op”
- Exoscope visualization (Arthrex) – enhancing surgical detail and ergonomics throughout the practical sessions.
- State-of-the-art implants – exposure to the latest generation of spinal stabilization
- Collaborative research opportunity – all participants contribute to a study comparing the screw placement accuracy for surgeons using drill guide vs. freehand screw placement; delegates will be co-authors on the resulting article.
Program Overview
Day 1 – Theory
Morning:
-Registration & Welcome Coffee
-Thoracolumbar fractures and luxations: biomechanics, implants, case-based discussion
-Lumbosacral fractures & stabilization techniques
Afternoon:
-Cervical fractures & instability: surgical management and implants
-Cervical spondylomyelopathy: distraction-fusion, cages, total disc replacement
-Atlantoaxial instability: transarticular screws, PMMA, and patient-specific 3D drill guides
-Case discussions & Q&A
Day 2 – Wetlabs thoracolumbar and lumbosacral stabilizations
Morning (theory):
-3D printing & minimally invasive surgery – including VET3D custom drill guides
-Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis: surgery, pain management, rehabilitation
-Preparation for the wetlab
Afternoon (wetlab):
-Thoracic & lumbar fracture repair: plates, pedicle screw constructs, Pins +PMMA
-Lumbosacral stabilization: pedicle screws & rods, intervertebral cages, distraction-fixation , transarticular screw fixation
Day 3 – Practical Wet Lab (Cervical & Thoracolumbar)
Theory + practical lab cervical spine
Morning:
-Complications in spinal surgery: prevention & management
-Use of Artrex Exoscope for enhanced visualization
-Preparation for the wetlab
Afternoon:
-Hands-on cervical procedures: distraction-fixation, cage placement, dorsal laminectomy of the cervical spine
-Atlantoaxial stabilization with screws + PMMA, dorsal and ventral approaches
-Hands-on practice with patient-specific 3D drill guides
-Post op CTs will be made
Day 4 – Practical Wet Lab (Lumbosacral & Thoracolumbar)
Morning:
-Outcome review & case discussions
-Evaluation of screw placement accuracy recording (data for collaborative article)
✅ Expert-led lectures & case discussions
✅ Extensive wet labs with modern technology
✅ Integration of cutting-edge tools (3D guides, Exoscope, NIR fluorescein)
✅ Unique opportunity for scientific collaboration & co-authorship
Important Information About Registration
You can register by sending an email to academy@evidensia.nl. Please note that registration does not automatically guarantee participation. This course requires significant prior experience in neurosurgery, and eligibility will be assessed by our hosts.
Each application will be carefully reviewed to ensure participants have the necessary knowledge and skills. In some cases, we may contact you for additional details. Our goal is to create a highly valuable learning experience.
We look forward to receiving your application and will confirm your place as soon as we have established suitability.
Location:
IVC Evidensia Academy Facility
Nijverheidsweg 1B
3433 NP NIEUWEGEIN
THE NETHERLANDS