AO VET Course—Principles of Small Animal Fracture Management

The aim of this course is to introduce the principles of fracture management in small animals, including assessment of the trauma patient, and the planning and performance of treatment for long bone and articular fractures. The course will provide a platform for future study and career development in veterinary orthopaedics.

This course is suitable for any veterinary surgeon with an interest in managing fractures in small animals, including: veterinary surgery residents, veterinary graduates at the start of their career, and practicing veterinary surgeons with some surgical experience.

Top national, regional, and international faculty

2-3 days in duration

For surgeons who already treat small animal fractures

Network with colleagues from all over the world

CME credits

Course content

  • Course modules
    • Module 1—Basic principles of fracture treatment
    • Module 2—Diaphyseal fractures
    • Module 3—Miscellaneous fracture treatments
    • Module 4—Complications
  • Featured Lectures
    • Influencing bone healing
    • Case assessment and decision making for long bone fractures
    • Case discussion - fracture classification, biomechanics, application of the FPAS system
    • Use of pins and tension band wires
    • Use of intramedullary pins and cerclage wire
    • Use of bone screws
    • Use of bone plates
    • Bridging fixation
    • External fixators
    • Case discussions - fracture assessment and decision making
    • Radius/ulna fractures
    • Humerus fractures
    • Femur fractures
    • Tibia fractures
    • Principles of articular fractures
    • Humeral condylar fractures
    • Physeal fracture (separation) in immature animals
    • Locking plates and screws
    • Bone grafting
    • Open fractures
    • External coaptation
    • Case discussion - challenging fracture cases
    • Osteomyelitis
    • Implant failure
    • Delayed and non-unions
  • Practical Exercises
    • Introduction to instrumentation and implants
    • Pin and cerclage wiring (long oblique fx femur)
    • Pin and tension band wire greater trochanter
    • Compression plate transverse radial fx
    • Independant lag screws and neutralization plate - humeral fx
    • Rod and plate construct in comminuted femur fx
    • Lag screw through neutralization plate in long oblique tibial fx
    • Lag screw fixation in humeral condyle fx
    • Cross pin fixation in distal femural physeal fx
    • Mystery fracture challenge
  • Small Group discussions
    • Case discussions - fracture assessment and decision making
    • Avoiding and managing intraoperative problems
    • Case discussion - managing complications

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

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