AO Trauma Course—Basic Principles of Fracture Management (Dec 06 - 11, 2026)

AO Trauma Course—Basic Principles of Fracture Management is organized by AO Foundation and will be held from Dec 06 - 11, 2026 at Davos, Canton, Switzerland.

Goal
The AO Trauma Course—Basic Principles of Fracture Management is part of the educational program teaching fundamental principles and current concepts in the treatment of injuries, incorporating the latest techniques in operative fracture management. The AO Trauma Basic Principles course is the initial step along the path of lifelong learning in operative fracture management. The focus of this course is on teaching the basic principles of fracture management.

Description
This AO Trauma Course—Basic Principles of Fracture Management is part of AO Trauma's educational program for residents and based on a specific framework of competencies and learning objectives. They feature a balanced mix of educational methods with a strong focus on interactive sessions. 

Online pre-course self-assessment prepares participants for the course and allows the faculty to tailor the course to the needs of the participants. 

The course will consist of several evidence-based lectures which will cover the key information required. In practical exercises, participants will be trained in the application of various techniques. 

The AO Skills Lab consists of ten stations where participants will learn about the principles of fractures and test fracture management options. Discussing cases in small groups will help participants to understand decision-making processes and further develop management skills. 

After the course, an online post-course self-assessment will provide participants with important feedback on how much they have learned.

Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: 

• Plan a treatment based on assessment, classification, imaging, and decision-making 
• Describe how to apply reduction techniques in fracture management with attention to the importance of the soft tissues 
• Discuss the concepts of stability, their influence on bone healing, and how to apply implants to achieve appropriate stability 
• Use appropriate fixation techniques to treat diaphyseal and simple (peri)articular fractures 
• Identify and discuss the special problems related to:

1. Plan the initial treatment of the polytrauma patient 
2. Fractures in the immature skeleton and osteoporotic fractures 
3. Delayed union and/or nonunion 
4. Pelvic injuries 
5. Postoperative infection