November 16 – 17, 2025
Introduction to External Skeletal Fixation
An introductory workshop designed for general practitioners looking to incorporate External Skeletal Fixation (ESF) into their clinical practice. This workshop also benefits veterinary surgeons desiring to expand their linear ESF knowledge and skills. The workshop covers the principles and techniques of ESF, including patient selection, equipment and implants, proper application techniques, and postoperative care. Additionally, the workshop discusses the potential complications associated with external skeletal fixation and how to recognize and manage them. Modern ESF theory and practice are reinforced through laboratory exercises using plastic bones and cadavers.
The goal is to provide general practitioners and veterinary surgeons with the expertise needed to utilize linear external fixation safely and effectively in their clinical practice, improving patient outcomes and expanding their range of treatment options.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the indications and contraindications for external skeletal fixation, including appropriate patient selection and considerations for application of ESF to different bones and types of fractures.
- Learn the technical skills necessary to properly perform external skeletal fixation procedures, including pin placement and frame construction, as well as techniques for minimizing complications.
- Develop an understanding of postoperative care and management of patients, including monitoring for complications.
- Learn how to evaluate and modulate the success of external skeletal fixation, through an understanding of the biomechanics of ESF, assessment of bone healing, methods of bone grafting, and manipulation of the external fixator to enhance fracture healing.
- Gain insight into the economics of ESF
Prerequisites
No required prerequisites. This 2-day workshop is designed for individuals with little to no external skeletal fixation experience seeking to learn or refine their orthopedic skillset for treating fractures.