© Mykola Ksenofontov / Visit Trondheim
PROGRAMME
WEDNESDAY 26. AUG
FRIDAY 28. AUG
THURSDAY 27. AUG
SATURDAY 29.AUG
Faculty:
S. Hammer
T. Bräuer
R. Riise
J. Halme
T. Kibsgaard
I. Helenius
M. Gehrchen
J. Lucas
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KEY SPEAKERS
LOCAL SPEAKERS
INVITED SPEAKERS
Foto: Bård Løken, Anno Norsk skogmuseum
ALF NACHEMSON LECTURE
Thor Gotaas
Special Guest Speaker
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What do ski pioneers, endurance athletes, drifters, forest workers, and eccentric Norwegian characters have in common? If anyone knows the answer, it is Thor Gotaas.
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One of Norway’s most beloved storytellers, Gotaas is an award-winning author, folklorist, and historian who has spent decades uncovering the remarkable stories hidden in Nordic culture and sport. Known for his bestselling books on skiing, running, outdoor life, and human endurance, he has a unique ability to combine humour, insight, and unforgettable anecdotes.
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At NSDS 2026, Thor will take us on a lively journey through the Nordic spirit of perseverance, resilience, and movement. Expect fascinating stories, plenty of laughs, and perhaps a few surprising lessons about what drives people to push their limits.
Entertaining, thought-provoking, and unmistakably Nordic, this is a session you won't want to miss.
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"Nobody tells the stories of the Nordic people quite like Thor Gotaas."
Eirin Kvandal
We are proud to welcome Eirin Maria Kvandal, one of Norway’s most accomplished ski jumpers and a world champion, to NSDS 2026. After undergoing scoliosis surgery as a teenager, Eirin returned to elite sport and has gone on to achieve success at the very highest international level.
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In this inspiring session, Eirin will share her personal journey from patient to world-class athlete, offering a unique perspective on resilience, recovery, and pursuing ambitious goals despite significant challenges.
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An unforgettable story of determination, courage, and excellence.
PRO/CON SYMPOSIUM
​Early, Late, or Just Right? — The Timing of Surgery in AIS
Two Rikshospitals. Two perspectives. One controversial question.
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This year’s NSDS Pro/Con Symposium brings together Thomas Kibsgård from Rikshospitalet in Oslo and Martin Gehrchen from Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen for what promises to be an epic Nordic spine battle.
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The question: When should we operate on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?
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Martin takes the PRO side:
Why wait? Should we move the COBB angle threshold down and operate earlier, taking advantage of safer surgery, modern and rapidly evolving technology, improved correction and faster recovery?
Thomas takes the CON side:
Why operate now?  Should we hold the line at COBB angle 45–50° and beyond, remembering that surgery is irreversible and that safer surgery does not necessarily mean more surgery?
In other words:
Martin: “Why wait for the curve to get worse?”
Thomas: “Just because we can, does not mean we should.”
With two highly experienced surgeons taking opposite sides, expect strong opinions, challenging arguments, scientific evidence — and perhaps a few sparks between Oslo and Copenhagen!
After the presentations, the floor will be open for debate and audience participation.
Who will convince you?
When should we operate?
Join us for the Pro/Con Symposium at NSDS 2026 in Trondheim!