Introduction to Basic Fracture Fixation

The goal of this course is to introduce the basic principles of fracturemanagement in dogs and cats, including the preoperative evaluation of thefracture and the patient, the planning and execution of open reduction andinternal fixation of long bone fractures and the diagnosis and management ofcomplications. This course is designed for veterinarians with some surgicalexperience and interest in fracture management in small animals. Theparticipant will attend lectures and practical laboratories, which include drylabs with plastic bones and practical exercises on cadavers. The participantshould be familiar with the surgical approaches to long bone fractures.

The course participants will be able to identify anatomical landmarks and learn how to diagnose and treat fractures. Learn the basic principles of plate application. Understand the criteria for implant selection. Identify and select appropriate techniques to address problems such as infection and technical errors that are critical to successful outcomes. Discuss the importance of pre-operative planning and other aspects of the clinical decision-making process in the animal surgical setting.