AO Recon Course—Comprehensive Shoulder Arthroplasty

A world-class curriculum course with anatomical specimen developed by renowned surgeons.

„The anatomical specimen lab was fantastic! Perfect exposure with time and anatomical structures. In the operating room I do not get to see this which helps me with decision making and improves dissection technique.”

Participant AO Davos Courses 2022

Elevate your expertise in shoulder arthroplasty with our comprehensive course. Designed as the initial step on your lifelong learning journey, this program covers fundamental principles and current concepts in the treatment of patients requiring primary arthroplasty for various pathologies.

Engage in a highly interactive learning experience with short, evidence-based lectures that provide the key information. Benefit from case discussions in small groups to enhance decision-making skills. Hands-on practical exercises including dry lab, or anatomical specimen allow you to apply the principles directly. Get up close with international and local faculty, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insights from our esteemed experts.

Why you should choose this course

Top national, regional, and international faculty

For surgeons who already treat (shoulder arthroplasty)

Network with peers from all over the world

CME credits, you get a certificate of completion

World-class curriculum developed by renowned surgeons

Course Content

  • Course modules
    • Module 1—Primary glenohumeral arthritis
    • Module 2—Rotator cuff insufficiency
    • Module 3—Proximal humeral fractures
  • Featured Lectures

    Module 1:

    • Clinical evaluation and imaging studies for decision making
    • Patient positioning and surgical approach
    • Subscapularis management and humeral and glenoid exposure
    • Prosthetic humeral head replacement in primary osteoarthritis 
    • Prosthetic glenoid replacement in primary osteoarthritis

    Module 2:

    • Basic principles of reverse shoulder arthroplasty
    • Cuff arthropathy, etiology, and treatment
    • Indications and contraindications for reverse shoulder arthroplasty

    Module 3:

    • Surgical treatment of humeral head fractures—indications for arthroplasty
    • Hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures
    • Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures
  • Small Group discussions
    • Primary glenohumeral arthritis
    • Rotator cuff insufficiency
    • Proximal humeral fractures
  • Anatomical Specimen Laboratory
    • Total shoulder arthroplasty without glenoid deformity
    • Primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty for degenerative conditions without glenoid deformity
    • Reverse shoulder arthroplasty with tuberosity fixation
  • Practical exercises (Dry Lab courses only)

    Revision arthroplasty around the hip

    • Simple stem revision exercise and exercise with cemented prosthesis

    Fracture fixation with implant retention

    • Internal fixation techniques (cables, cerclage and construct stability)
    • Internal fixation techniques (locking attachment plate, periprosthetic screws and construct stability
    • Interprosthetic fracture fixation

Course details may be subject to change. Please check your chosen date and location for the detailed program.


Course impressions

Course Davos

AO Recon Shoulder Arthroplasty Curriculum Task Force

Learn more about the AO Recon Shoulder Arthroplasty Curriculum Task Force members. Nominated by the Education Forum, these expert groups of arthroplasty surgeons develop the educational content for AO Recon's curriculum-based courses.

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