June 9, 2026 | Pre-ACVIM Forum
Seattle | $300
Limited Spaces | Near Convention Center
Polyaxial screw stabilization lab: Thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral vertebral column
What to Expect*
4 hours lecture | 4 hours lab
❋ RACE Approved 8 hours CE
We start with an overview of polyaxial screws and how they are applied to the veterinary vertebral column. We cover fundamental biomechanics of vertebral column stabilization, screw trajectories and choosing the right screw size to build your construct.
❋ Familiarization with Equipment
The lab portion uses equipment from the Boreal Sciences, Bolt - Mini Polyaxial screw system along with a 3D printed model of a French Bulldog vertebral column. Participants will apply what they see in lecture to the vertebral column model.
❋ Problem-Solving
We will show you the tips and tricks for successful construct engineering and spinal stabilization. From malformations to fractures and everything in-between Thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral stabilization.
❋ A Supportive Space
Whether you are new to Polyaxial screws or an advanced neurosurgeon, we guide you through instrumentation use, planning, design, and application of the system using real world examples, so you are confident with your next case.
This is a Pre-Forum lecture and dry lab in conjunction with ACVIM. Your instructors are Robert Bergman and Sean Sanders.
Agenda
Course Description
This workshop / lab is designed as an introductory and advanced course to the use of polyaxial screws for vertebral column stabilization in dogs and cats. The course is for veterinary neurologists, surgeons and residents in neurology or surgery. The participant will gain knowledge on the fundamental biomechanics of the vertebral column and how to design and use polyaxial screws and rods to create a construct intended to stabilize a portion of the vertebral column. Specifically, the course will cover the thoracic, lumbar and lumbosacral vertebral segments. Attendees will use the laboratory portions of the course to design and build constructs on a 3D printed model of a French Bulldog Vertebral column. Advanced practitioners will use a high thoracic malformation model of a Pug, to engineer and create a construct.
Welcome
8:15 – 8:30
Polyaxial Screws Overview
Lumbosacral Stabilization
9:30 - 10:20
Lumbar Stabilization
10:30 - 11:20
LAB: Lumbar and Lumbosacral Stabilization
11:30 - 12:20
Lunch
thoracolumbar Stabilization
Thoracic Stabilization
LAB: Thoracolumbar and Thoracic Stabilization
11:10 - 2:00
2:10 - 3:00
3:10 - 5:00
8:30 – 9:20
12:30 - 1:10