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.

Find this course near you

Why you should choose this course

Find this course near you

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.

Find this course near you

Download brochure

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:

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

What does competency-based curriculum development mean?

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).

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