US-German Exchange - Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Thursday, February 19, 2026

10:15 AM - 11:45 AM CDT

Room: Volunteer Ballroom C

CE: 1.5

Session Leader(s)

Kristin Carnahan, CPO, FAAOP(D)

CPO
Self
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Leigh Davis, CPO (she/her/hers)

Orthotist/Prosthetist
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta , Georgia, United States

Speaker(s)

Stefan Hemmer, MD (he/him/his)

Head of Spine
Orthopedic University Hospital of Heidelberg
University of Heidelberg
Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
Beate Flügel, CPO

CPO
Heidelberg University Hospital; Department Technical Orthopedics; Germany, Germany
Brandon Ramo, MD

Assistant Chief of Staff, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
Scottish Rite For Children
University of Texas Southwester Medical Center
Dallas, Texas, United States

This collaborative session between American and German professionals will highlight currently implemented treatment options for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis with a focus on physician and orthotist decision-making, orthosis design options, implementation considerations, observed outcomes, and collaboration among the treatment team.

Learning Objectives:

Understand past and present treatment options and considerations for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis primarily implemented in the US and Germany.
Hear how leading experts in the US and Germany implement AIS orthotic treatment plans including collaborative communication, decision-making, and assessment of outcomes.
Understand the physician and orthotist perspectives regarding treatment and outcomes associated with AIS and how these team members can work together collaboratively to treat patients with AIS