THE ART OF CLOSED REDUCTION: EXTERNAL FIXATION APPLICATIONS IN FRACTURE MANAGEMENT

Successful osteosynthesis requires appropriate alignment and stabilisation, together with preservation of fracture biology. Closed reduction techniques offer a minimally invasive approach aimed at preserving soft tissue integrity and the biological potential for healing at the fracture site. Effective application requires assessment of the fracture configuration, an understanding of biomechanical principles, and selection of an appropriate fixation strategy.

This workshop will explore closed reduction techniques for long bone fractures in small animals, the principles of biological osteosynthesis, and the biomechanical foundations of external fixation. Using the modular Exvet ESF System, participants will gain practical experience in reduction, alignment, and stabilisation techniques for different fracture configurations.

Combining theoretical instruction with clinical case examples and practical exercises, this interactive workshop will focus on assessing bone length, angular and rotational alignment without exposing the fracture site, constructing appropriate fixator configurations, and achieving mechanical stability. Participants will develop knowledge and skills relevant to their daily surgical practice.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of closed reduction and biological osteosynthesis
• Select and apply appropriate closed reduction techniques for different fracture configurations
• Assess bone length, angular and rotational alignment without exposing the fracture site
• Explain the basic biomechanical principles of external fixation and the factors affecting stability
• Construct fixator configurations suited to different fracture types using the Exvet ESF System
• Recognise common technical errors during reduction and fixation and develop strategies to prevent them

FORMAT

• Interactive theoretical instruction
• Clinical case examples
• Practical closed fracture reduction techniques
• Fixator configuration and stabilisation exercises using the Exvet ESF System
• Questions and answers