AO Trauma Course—Upper Extremity Trauma

Participants will learn the current management of patient pain, dysfunction, deformity, and cosmesis related to trauma of the upper limb. Fractures from the sternoclavicular joint to the fingertip will be covered as well as joint injuries and dislocations and soft-tissue injuries (the acute trauma phase and the posttraumatic sequelae such as malunion, nonunion, infection, etc).

The high level of interactivity is built-in to the module structures in all of the defined educational events. Lectures are used to introduce the challenges related to each anatomical region and to establish common terminology and approaches as well as to summarize the evidence for current management.

Participants should also have completed the AO Trauma Course—Advanced Principles of Fracture Management.

Why you should choose this course

Top national, regional, and international faculty

2-3 days in duration

For surgeons who already treat upper extremity trauma fractures

Network with colleagues from all over the world

CME credits

Course content

 
  • Course modules
    • Module 1—Clavicle
    • Module 2—Scapula
    • Module 3—Proximal Humerus
    • Module 4—Humeral shaft
    • Module 5—Distal humerus, proximal ulna, and proximal radius
    • Module 6—Elbow and radial and ulnar shaft
    • Module 7—Distal radius and ulna
    • Module 8—Carpus and hand*
  • Small group discussions

    Clavicle:

    • Operative treatment of a diaphyseal fracture
    • Failed treatment of a diaphyseal clavicle fracture
    • Lateral clavicle fracture (and discuss associated injuries)

    Scapula:

    • Displaced scapular body fracture
    • Floating shoulder
    • Anterior instability (anterior glenoid fracture or labral avulsion)

    Proximal humerus:

    • Multimorbid, frail patient with complex fracture (reverse prosthesis)
    • Loss of reduction (Failed tuberosity fixation with a focus on prevention)
    • Implant cutout (varus displaced, 4-fragment, osteoporotic, multimorbid with a focus on prevention)
    • Intraarticular screw penetration
    • Avascular necrosis

    Humeral shaft

    • Simple transverse fracture of the humeral shaft
    • Multi-fragment fracture of the humeral shaft
    • Radial nerve involvement

    Distal humerus:

    • Low supracondylar fracture in osteoporotic patient
      OR
      Intercondylar fracture of distal humerus

    Proximal ulna:

    • Multi-fragmentary proximal ulnar fracture (olecranon and coronoid)

    Proximal radius:

    • Compression fracture (Essex-Lopresti)

    Elbow and radial and ulnar shaft

    • Simple elbow dislocation
    • Complex fracture-dislocation of the elbow
    • Complex open multi-fragmentary forearm fracture
    • Complex closed multi-fragmentary forearm fracture

    Distal radius and ulna:

    • Extraarticular distal radius fracture
    • Radiocarpal fracture dislocation (volar)
    • Radiocarpal fracture dislocation (dorsal)
    • Complex multifragmentary articular fracture
    • Ulnar extra articular
    • Elderly indications for nonoperative intervention

    Carpus:

    • Scaphoid fracture
    • Perilunate fracture dislocation

    Hand:

    • Fifth metacarpal extraarticular fracture (Boxer's)
    • Multiple metacarpals with or without CMC dislocations
  • Anatomical Specimen Workshops (full day)*

    Anterior exposures:

    • Clavicle
    • Humerus
    • Elbow
    • Distal radius

    Posterior exposures:

    • Scapula
    • Humerus
    • Distal humerus and proximal ulna

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

Target audience

  • Orthopedic and trauma surgeons with at least 3 years of experience who want to develop expertise in upper extremity fracture care.
  • Surgeons with many years of experience who want to update their knowledge.

Course impressions

Competencies

The curriculum is based upon 7 competencies:

  1. Perform an appropriate assessment of the patient with trauma to the shoulder, humeral shaft, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand
  2. Identify the minimal quality requirements for each assessment tool and the optimal way to gather the required information
  3. Perform a thorough, stepwise analysis of the problem (what is the mechanical, biological, and soft tissue situation and problem)
  4. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment options and decide with the patient which is best for their specific needs
  5. Develop a comprehensive plan based on the needs of the patient, the injury, the patient factors, and the available surgical options
  6. Complete the plan (perform operative procedures and nonoperative care)
  7. Provide and communicate overall care, integrating the team, family, and supporting care system

What does competency-based curriculum development mean?

Learn more

Upper extremity education taskforce

The upper extremity education taskforce is a group of experts who build and continously improve our educational program. It consists of three international program editors (IPEs).

Odette Koch (ZA)

Term: 2022–2024

Sami Roukoz (LB)

Term 2023–2025

Pedro Labronici (BR)

Term: 2024–2026


See a full list of all regional program contributors and past international program editors.

Not the right course?

Find our list of all curricula courses here