Lower extremity curriculum

The curriculum provides a modular framework for teaching the current management of patient problems related to trauma of the lower limb, discussed in a highly interactive setting. It covers fractures and soft-tissue injuries from the femoral head and neck to the ankle as well as joint injuries and dislocations (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. A combination of evidence-based lectures, small-group case discussions, and dissection and fixation procedures on anatomical specimens will be used to deliver the content to improve knowledge and skills in the key surgical techniques and in related care for a truly hands-on experiential learning experience.

Lectures are limited and 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. Most of the content is, however, delivered through small group discussions, where structured cases integrate the learning objectives from the curriculum. The setting at round tables provides an environment for the participants that support the development of decision-making and management skills.