No surgical fracture management experience? No orthopedic experience? NO WORRIES!!! This course is designed specifically for the Novice Veterinary Surgeon. In this Introductory course, we will cover fracture assessment and fracture healing. In the wet lab, participants will learn the surgical approaches to the femur and tibia, stabilize simple fractures with Intramedullary Pins and Cerclage Wires, and stabilize comminuted fractures with Linear External Skeletal Fixators (ESF). We will finish the day with post-op radiographic assessment and discussion of bone plating and interlocking nails. At the conclusion of this course, participants should feel comfortable with handling some very common fractures and be ready for more advanced fracture management courses.

Objectives

• Acquire proficiency in assessing and managing fractures, focusing on proper fracture healing.
• Gain knowledge in surgical approaches to the femur and tibia.
• Learn techniques for stabilizing simple fractures using intramedullary pins and cerclage wires.
• Familiarize yourself with stabilizing comminuted fractures using linear external skeletal fixators (ESF).
• Develop skills for post-operative radiographic assessments.
• Gain confidence in handling common fractures and prepare for advanced fracture management courses.