Advanced Fracture Repair 2

Course Summary

Fractures of the femur and tibia are common in dogs and cats. This course will discuss decision-making, surgical approach, fracture reduction techniques and surgical repair of different types of simple and comminuted fractures of the femur and tibia.

This course is designed to take one to a higher level in fracture repair.  We will teach reliable techniques and give valuable practical tips useful in repairing simple and more challenging comminuted fractures. New implant designs have made fracture repair much simpler and more affordable. In addition, postoperative management of patients has also been simplified and complications are rare if the principles of fracture repair are followed.

This course will familiarize participants with fracture repair techniques through lecture and clinical case presentations. Following lecture and case review, participants will repair fractures on plastic bone models and cadavers. Postoperative radiographs will be taken to evaluate the participants repair technique.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the principles of bone healing and the differences between secondary and primary bone healing

2. Review fracture classification and choice of fixation for fractures of the femur and tibia

3. Discuss the concept of direct versus indirect fracture reduction and decision making on approach

4. Learn how to correctly apply locking bone plates, plate and rod repair, lag screws and pin and tension band

5. Discuss fracture fixation and surgical approaches for proximal, diaphyseal and distal fractures of the tibia, and femur