AO Trauma Blended Course—Basic Principles of Fracture Management
Goal
The AO Trauma Course—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 AO Trauma Basic Principles course is the initial step along the path of lifelong learning in the area of operative fracture management. This course mainly focuses on the basic principles of fracture management.
Target participants
The AO Trauma Course—Basic Principles of Fracture Management is targeted at doctors in surgical training but also open to those who are interested in furthering their knowledge and skills in operative fracture management.
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-tissue • 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
Description
As part of the course is blended, you will need to complete the self-directed learning log modules provided before the face-to-face sessions, The online part of the course will commence four weeks prior to the F2F event. It consists of four distance learning modules, ten screen casts, and engaging WhatsApp discussions. To make the most of this learning experience, we recommend allocating 2-3 hours per week for asynchronous online learning. Before attending the course, participants are expected to complete online modules on bone healing and classification. The course contains several evidence-based lectures, which cover the key information required. The AO Skills Lab engages surgeons in hands-on learning of basic principles and practical know-how needed for live surgery. With experiences such as proper tightening of a screw and feeling the difference between drilling with sharp and blunt drill bits, course participants gain important surgical skills and learn about basic biomechanical concepts in a safe, instructive environment. 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. After the course an online post course self-assessment provides participants with a possibility to review the important topics from the course.