Goal of the course

The AO Alliance Course (with AOTrauma Approved Curriculum)–Basic Principles of Fracture Management teaches fundamental principles and current concepts in the treatment of injuries, incorporating the latest techniques in operative fracture management. The Course is the initial step along the path of lifelong learning in the area of operative fracture management and the main focus of this course lies in the basic principles of fracture management.

Target participants

The AO Alliance Course (with AOTrauma Approved Curriculum)–Basic Principles of Fracture Management is targeted at doctors in surgical training but is also open to those who are interested in furthering their knowledge and skills in operative fracture management.

Learning objectives

At the end of this course, participants will be able to

• Discuss the concepts of stability, their influence on bone healing and how to apply implants to achieve appropriate stability
• Plan a treatment based on assessment, imaging, classification and decision making
• Apply reduction techniques in fracture management with attention to the importance of the soft tissues
• Use appropriate fixation techniques to treat diaphyseal and simple (peri)articular fractures
• Evaluate and recognize the special problems related to: fractures in the immature skeleton, pelvic injuries, osteoporotic fractures, postoperative infection, and delayed union and/or nonunion
• Plan the initial treatment of the polytraumatized patient

Course description

The course contains several evidence-based lectures, which cover the key information required. In practical exercises participants will be trained in the application of fixation techniques. Discussing cases in small groups helps participants to understand decision-making and management skills.