GORE and SMRUTII

The GORE and SMRUTII teaching frameworks connect clinical reasoning, anatomical location and endoscopic access. This page introduces their place in the training programme; the detailed discussions and examples belong in the courses and publications.

The GORE Matrix and algorithms

Dr Gore uses these frameworks to organise discussion of symptoms, examination findings, imaging and treatment decisions. Learners are encouraged to explain the reasoning behind a proposed target and to recognise uncertainty or alternative explanations.

The GORE sign

Dr Gore’s published work includes distal examination for sciatica. The GORE sign is discussed within the clinical assessment teaching, alongside other examination findings and relevant investigations. Read the original publication to understand the method, the studied population and its limitations.

GORE transforaminal endoscopy

The foundational technical teaching examines transforaminal orientation, targeting and access, including the role of local anaesthesia in the approaches presented. Anatomical demonstrations, case discussion and supervised learning connect the concepts with practical tasks.

SMRUTII and lumbar stenosis

The advanced stenosis teaching develops the three-zone, three-wall framework and examines upper transforaminal intracanal access concepts. Cadaveric anatomy and imaging correlation help learners understand the relationship between the target and the proposed working corridor.

Reading the evidence

Published studies, anatomical demonstrations and author observations contribute different kinds of information. Our teaching distinguishes established anatomical descriptions, findings reported in individual studies and evolving interpretations. Learners should read the supporting sources and consider the limits of each claim.

Begin with the Books and Publications page for references, or use the Online Study Index to find the relevant teaching sequence.