Goal of the course

The AOTrauma Course—Acetabular and Pelvic Fracture Management aims to convey to experienced participants an understanding of the initial evaluation, stabilization, and definitive treatment of patients with fractures and dislocations of the pelvic ring, acetabulum, or both. The AO Principles as well as the latest techniques and up-to-date evidence will be incorporated into the course, guiding participants in developing the knowledge and skills needed to treat these injuries and improve patient outcomes.

Target participants

Participants must be fully trained orthopedic and/or trauma surgeons with subspecialty interest in the treatment of pelvic and acetabular fractures. They must have already completed the AOTrauma Courses—Principles in Operative Fracture Management.

Description

Surgeons participating in this course will learn how to address the severely injured patient in an emergency situation. They will learn how to evaluate, diagnose, and classify pelvic ring and acetabular injuries, and determine appropriate timing and indications for interventions. They will be able to apply knowledge in choosing how to surgically approach specific injuries and how to definitively reconstruct complex fractures. The course will be taught in two modules. The first dedicated to pelvic injuries and the second to acetabular fractures. Lectures will cover the key information required and will provide a foundation of information regarding surgical fixation techniques. At the anatomical specimen laboratories participants are trained in the application of different techniques and approaches. All concepts are expanded and reinforced in group discussions emphasizing diagnosis, evaluation, indications, decision-making processes, complications, and treatment modalities.