Residents

The AO Trauma Residents education program offers a wide range of face-to-face and self-directed learning in orthopedic trauma management. It supports orthopedic trauma residents at all stages of their training and is based on twelve clearly defined competencies.

Residents education taskforce

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

Narayan Ramachandran (OM)

Term: 2022—2024

Sue Deakin (UK)

Term: 2023–2025

Khairul Faizi Mohammad (MY)

Term: 2023–2025

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


Program description

The courses defined in the AO Trauma residents curriculum teach fundamental principles and current concepts in the treatment of injuries, incorporating the latest techniques in operative fracture management. They build the foundation for orthopedic trauma surgeons’ careers. Evidence-based lectures cover the key information, case discussions in small groups help participants understand decision-making and management skills, and practical exercises allow participants to practice the application of fixation techniques.

The AO Trauma basic principles course is the initial step along the path of lifelong learning in the area of operative fracture management and the focus of this course lies in the basic principles of fracture management. The AO Trauma advanced principles course builds upon the AO Trauma basic principles course and concentrates on the principles and techniques of operative fracture management in more complex injuries.

Events defined in the curriculum

AO Trauma Course—Basic Principles of Fracture Management (3 days)

AO Trauma Course—Advanced Principles of Fracture Management (3 days)

 

Target audiences

Basic Principles:

Doctors in surgical training

Doctors interested in furthering their knowledge and skills in operative fracture management

Advanced Principles:

Surgeons at the threshold of becoming independent

Participants who have completed the Basic Principles course

Resources for faculty

Already a faculty member? Explore resources supporting your teaching activities.

Resources

AO Surgery Reference

Check out the modules of our online repository.

AO START

AO START

Discover the award-winning educational tool for orthopedic trauma residents.

E-learning modules

Explore the growing collection of our online offerings, most targeted at residents.

AO Principles of Fracture Management

Third Edition

Mobile apps

A number of our educational offerings are optimized for mobile devices.

Courses and webinars

Explore our database and search for events on specific topics.

Members only

AO Videos

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Competencies

  1. Understand the concepts of stability, their influence on bone healing, and how to apply implants to achieve the appropriate stability
  2. Plan a treatment based on assessment, imaging, classification, and decision making
  3. Apply reduction techniques in fracture management with attention to the soft tissue
  4. Apply implants according to their properties utilizing different application techniques
  5. Assess and treat diaphyseal fractures
  6. Assess and treat articular and periarticular fractures
  7. Demonstrate strategies for assessing and treating open fractures and soft-tissue injuries
  8. Manage the polytrauma patient
  9. Evaluate, classify, and formulate a treatment plan for pelvic injuries and acetabular fractures
  10. Recognize risk factors and complications and manage accordingly
  11. Recognize and treat bone union disorders
  12. Recognize and manage special fracture circumstances

What does competency-based curriculum development mean?

Learn more

Contacts

To address feedback or questions to this education taskforce, email the Curriculum Development Manager Sandipan Chatterjee or the curriculum support team.