Basic Screws and Plates - Internal Fixation

This course is an introduction to internal fixation, with a focus on plates and screws. The implants will be introduced with an emphasis on how they work and why, as well as an introduction to the associated instrumentation. The principles of internal fixation will be covered, and how to ensure these rules are followed. Specifically, lag and position screws, and plating techniques including compression, neutralisation and bridging will be covered. The course will also include pre-operative planning of internal fixation, potential complications, and how to overcome them.  The focus will be non-locking plates although locking plates will be mentioned.

Topics to be covered: 

• Screw design & function
• Lag screws, position screws, plate screws.
• Plate anatomy
• Dynamic Compression, Neutralisation and Bridging plates.
• Principles and rules of plate and screw application
• Planning internal fixation surgery 
• Potential complications, how to avoid them, and how to overcome them.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the principles of internal fixation 
• Understand which screw and plate techniques are applicable to which fractures.
• Learn how to apply plates and screws to bone. 
• Understand the limitations of internal fixation, potential complications and how to overcome them. 

Required delegate attributes or who this course is suitable for:

The course is BASIC / BEGINNER level.

No previous experience is required, but some basic background knowledge of orthopaedics or experience of fracture management would be helpful.

The course is aimed at veterinary surgeons with an interest in learning internal fixation techniques and mastering the basics. You should leave the course with the knowledge and skill to be able to successfully apply a plate and screws to manage a simple fracture.

Course Code: VCPDBSIF

Course tutor: Gareth Arthurs PGCertMedEd MA VetMB CertVR CertSAS DSAS (Orth) FHEA MRCVS