This highly practical introductory one-day course will provide an overview of plating techniques for long bone fracture repair. Non-locking plating techniques will be discussed as an introduction to the day, before we move on to examine the evolution of locking plate technology and the specifics of the equipment and placement of locking screws.

Course Description

Topics to be covered:

• Overview of non-locking plating techniques
• Locking plate evolution - 'why'?
• Locking plates - equipment and placement of locking screws
• Locking plates - when to place a locking plate and rules of placement
• Locking plates - potential complications
• Fracture planning and correct implant selection
• The role of locking plates in minimally invasive surgery

Practical sessions will include:

• Equipment familiarization
• Differences in the application of locking and non-locking screws
• Principles of application of a locking plate
• Oblique fracture - application of lag screw(s) and a locking plate in neutralization mode
• Comminuted fracture - application of a plate-rod construct using a locking plate

Learning objectives:

• Learn and understand the theory of locking technology
• Learn and understand the differences between locking and non-locking plating constructs and their application
• Become familiar with the equipment required to place locking plates
• Learn and understand the rules of placement for locking plates
• Learn and understand the potential complications of using locking plates
• Learn and understand the principles of fracture planning and implant selection
• Understand the role of locking plates in minimally invasive surgery

Required delegate attributes:

This one-day course is suitable for surgeons with prior experience of plating fractures using non-locking plates who are interested in using locking plates, and those requiring a refresher.