Orthopaedic Surgery

1. Assess, prioritise, and stabilise fracture patients by applying appropriate analgesia, initial stabilisation techniques, and management strategies for complex injuries such as pelvic trauma, including decisions between conservative and surgical intervention.  

2. Explain fracture biology and biomechanics by describing direct and indirect bone healing, the influence of mechanical forces, stress and strain, and patient age, and by evaluating how biological and mechanical factors interact to influence fracture healing outcomes.  

3. Classify fractures and plan definitive treatment by applying appropriate fracture terminology, the Fracture Patient Assessment System (FPAS), and AO principles to guide fixation strategies, stability selection, and imaging choices for surgical planning.  

4. Manage challenging fracture cases and complications by applying principles of bone grafting, diagnosing and treating open fractures, delayed unions, non-unions, osteomyelitis, malunions, and fracture disease, and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies.  

5. Evaluate fracture repair and progression of healing by interpreting post-operative radiographs using the 4 A’s framework, assessing radiographic signs of bone healing, determining implant stability and readiness for weight-bearing, and making informed decisions regarding implant removal.  

6. Apply supportive therapies and contextualised care in fracture management by selecting and applying appropriate bandaging, splinting, casting, and orthotic devices, developing post-operative care and rehabilitation plans, and collaborating effectively with the veterinary team and allied professionals while balancing patient and owner factors.  

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Perform a complete orthopaedic and neurological examination to differentiate orthopaedic and neurological lameness   

• Perform arthrocentesis and interpret synovial fluid findings (shoulder, elbow, carpus) 

• Classify fractures and apply fracture patient assessment score (FPAS) to guide fracture planning   

• Apply lag screws, positional screws, and cerclage wires correctly using bone models 

• Demonstrate correct orthopaedic instrumentation handling and theatre workflow   

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Use templating software to plan fracture fixation   

• Apply dynamic compression plates (DCP) to a radial fracture 

• Place an intramedullary pin appropriately in the femur, tibia and humerus 

• Perform plate–rod fixation for comminuted femoral fractures   

• Evaluate post-operative radiographs of radius and ulna fracture repairs, plate rod fracture repair

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Apply lag screws with neutralisation plating  to oblique tibial fractures 

• Perform pin and tension band fixation of the tibial tuberosity 

• Perform a lateral approach to the humerus   

• Harvest cancellous bone graft (humerus and ileum) 

• Apply appropriate post-operative coaptation and recognise complications including cast, bivalve splint and modified robert jones 

• Approach the pelvic fracture case 

• Apply FPAS and review post operative radiographs after internal fixation 

1. Analyse shoulder anatomy and diagnose shoulder disorders by explaining surgically relevant feline and canine shoulder anatomy and differentiating congenital and traumatic shoulder luxations using history, physical examination, and imaging findings.  

2. Select and justify treatment options for shoulder disease by comparing conservative and surgical management for shoulder luxation, osteochondrosis of the humeral head, and biceps tenosynovitis, incorporating imaging findings, risks of instability, post-operative rehabilitation needs, and contextualised care factors.  

3. Diagnose and manage elbow disorders by evaluating traumatic and congenital elbow luxations (including the Campbell test), elbow dysplasia (including imaging selection and treatment controversies), humeral intercondylar fissure, and selecting appropriate medical or surgical management strategies.  

4. Apply and justify surgical approaches for elbow pathology by outlining the medial intermuscular approach to the elbow and explaining its role in the management of medial coronoid process disease.  

5. Diagnose and manage carpal and foot conditions by selecting appropriate imaging modalities for traumatic carpal injuries and evaluating treatment options for digital corns and digit disease, including excision, superficial digital flexor tenotomy, digit amputation, and alternative surgical procedures.  

6. Diagnose and manage septic and inflammatory joint disease by interpreting synovial fluid analysis and imaging findings, selecting appropriate lavage techniques, culture-guided antibiotic protocols, and managing feline medial epicondylitis using conservative or surgical approaches.  

7. Integrate contextualised, team-based forelimb care by balancing patient and owner factors in treatment planning, developing post-operative rehabilitation strategies, collaborating with the veterinary team and allied professionals, and determining when referral for physiotherapy or rehabilitation is appropriate.  

1. Analyse hip joint anatomy and diagnose hip disease by evaluating clinically relevant canine and feline hip anatomy and diagnosing conditions including hip dysplasia, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and hip luxation using signalment, physical examination, and imaging findings.  

2. Select and justify management strategies for hip dysplasia and juvenile pelvic procedures by developing treatment plans incorporating conservative management, femoral head and neck excision, total hip replacement, pelvic osteotomies, and juvenile pubic symphysiodesis, based on patient age, size, lifestyle, and expected outcomes.  

3. Perform femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) by applying the craniolateral approach to the coxofemoral joint to safely and effectively excise the femoral head and neck.  

4. Select and justify treatment options for hip luxation and advanced hip surgery by choosing closed reduction or surgical stabilisation based on case-specific factors, and comparing total hip replacement with femoral head and neck excision using functional outcomes and patient- and owner-specific considerations.  

5. Diagnose and manage stifle disorders by analysing stifle anatomy, diagnosing cranial cruciate ligament disease, patellar luxation, meniscal injury, and other stifle conditions, and selecting appropriate conservative or surgical management strategies based on patient factors and published outcomes.  

6. Apply and justify stifle surgical techniques by evaluating extracapsular and osteotomy-based stabilisation procedures, assessing meniscal injury and performing partial meniscectomy when indicated, and selecting corrective techniques for patellar luxation including sulcoplasty, tibial tuberosity transposition, and soft tissue procedures.  

7. Diagnose and manage tarsal and hindlimb foot conditions by selecting appropriate imaging modalities, evaluating injury severity, and recommending conservative or surgical management for tarsal injuries, metatarsal fractures, and hindlimb corns, including superficial digital flexor tenotomy where indicated.  

8. Deliver post-operative, contextualised, and team-based hindlimb care by diagnosing and managing septic arthritis using lavage and culture-guided antibiotic protocols, formulating post-operative care plans and complication monitoring, integrating patient and owner factors into decision-making, and collaborating with the veterinary team and allied professionals, including referral for rehabilitation where appropriate. 

1. Analyse soft tissue traumatic injuries by interpreting clinical presentations of muscle and tendon injuries including iliopsoas injury, quadriceps contracture, flexor carpi ulnaris contracture, and fibrotic myopathies, and evaluating appropriate surgical, rehabilitative, and functional management strategies.  

2. Explain and evaluate tendon healing and repair principles by outlining the phases of tendon healing and analysing the effects of immobilisation, growth factors, and rehabilitation strategies on tendon repair and regeneration.  

3. Compare and justify surgical tendon repair techniques by evaluating suture patterns (including locking loop/Kessler and three-loop pulley), comparing their tensile strength and resistance to gap formation, and selecting appropriate techniques for different clinical scenarios.  

4. Evaluate management strategies for specific tendon and musculotendinous conditions by comparing surgical approaches for Achilles tendinopathy, infraspinatus tendon contracture, quadriceps contracture, and gastrocnemius avulsion, and justifying technique selection based on lesion chronicity and clinical presentation.  

5. Analyse osteoarthritis and evaluate management options by explaining its aetiology and pathophysiology, interpreting physical examination and imaging findings, and formulating comprehensive medical and surgical management plans while considering owner-imposed limitations.  

6. Analyse polyarthritis and justify treatment strategies by interpreting clinical signs and diagnostic test results, differentiating immune-mediated and infectious causes, and formulating treatment plans that consider potential side effects and long-term management needs.  

7. Apply principles of post-operative, contextualised, and interprofessional care by formulating post-operative protocols for ligament and tendon injuries, evaluating indications for physiotherapy or rehabilitation referral, and integrating patient and owner factors through effective collaboration with the veterinary team.   

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Apply perioperative analgesia and antibiotic strategies 

• Perform locoregional anaesthesia and epidural 

• Design ESF frames based on fracture and patient needs   

• Apply linear ESF frames safely: 

• ESF application plastic pipes  

• Type I, Ib, II and III frames  

• ESF application Type II on Tibia  

• Interpret post-operative ESF radiographs and create management plans 

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Perform ESF Type Ib on radius 

• Perform ESF type I with tied in IM pin Femur 

• Pin and tension band repair a lateral malleolus of tibia and place a transarticular ESF 

• Stabilise metacarpal fractures using the dowel pin technique   

• Appraise locking vs non-locking plates and consider common pitfalls 

• Perform a caudolateral approach to the shoulder 

• Perform modified Cheli surgical approach to the shoulder  

• Perform a biceps tenotomy 

• Perform a medial intermuscular approach to the elbow and fragment removal 

• Perform distal ulna ostectomy and bi-oblique dynamic proximal ulna osteotomy   

• Perform superficial digital flexor (SDF) tenotomy for corns   

• Perform digit amputation techniques 

• Discuss decision making and approach to physeal injury, premature closure of the distal ulna and elbow incongruity 

1. Differentiate appendicular osteosarcoma from other bone pathologies by interpreting radiography, advanced imaging (CT/MRI), and histopathology to distinguish neoplasia from osteomyelitis and panosteitis.  

2. Formulate and justify treatment plans for appendicular osteosarcoma by balancing surgical options (limb amputation and limb-sparing procedures) with adjunctive therapies (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), while considering owner needs and limitations.  

3. Analyse metaphyseal osteopathy in young dogs by interpreting clinical and radiographic findings, formulating supportive treatment plans including analgesia and anti-inflammatory therapy, and evaluating strategies for managing relapse.  

4. Analyse panosteitis in growing dogs by interpreting characteristic clinical and radiographic features, selecting evidence-based pain management strategies, and communicating prognosis.  

5. Evaluate craniomandibular osteopathy by recognising key clinical signs and breed predispositions and justifying conservative management strategies based on clinical and radiographic findings.  

6. Analyse swimmer syndrome in neonatal puppies and kittens by interpreting typical clinical signs and explaining how a diagnosis can be reached.  

7. Analyse metabolic bone diseases by differentiating nutritional osteodystrophy from congenital disorders using dietary history, diagnostic imaging, and serum calcium and phosphorus levels, and formulating corrective strategies.  

8. Analyse acute caudal myopathy and juvenile muscle–tendon disorders by correlating clinical signs with history, recommending conservative treatment and prevention strategies, assessing canine hyperlaxity syndrome, and developing rehabilitation protocols.  

9. Apply principles of fracture management in skeletally immature animals by considering growth plate biology, bone strength, and early diagnosis, and selecting and justifying appropriate fixation methods for juvenile fractures.  

10. Analyse angular limb deformities in juvenile patients and plan surgical management by interpreting clinical and radiographic findings, explaining the consequences of premature physeal closure, and describing the indications for and technique of distal ulna ostectomy and bioblique dynamic proximal ulna osteotomy for the management of short ulna syndrome. 

• Case based evaluation of hip conditions 

• Perform the craniolateral approach to the hip 

• Perform a femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) 

• Case based evaluation of stifle conditions including patella luxation and cruciate disease   

• Perform a lateral and medial stifle arthrotomy  

• Inspect the cruciate ligament and meniscus 

• Perform extracapsular stifle stabilisation via a fabello-tibial suture  

• Review post operative FHNE radiographs 

• Consider rehabilitation protocols and expected outcomes for stifle conditions 

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Case based decision making in patella luxation cases 

• Perform corrective surgery for patellar luxation including:  

• Block recession sulcoplasty  

• Wedge recession sulcoplasty  

• Tibial tuberosity transposition  

• Lateral imbrication  

• Medial release     

• Case based discussion of tibiotarsal joint conditions 

• Perform Kessler and three-loop pulley tendon repairs on achilles and digital flexors  

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Perform CSF collection safely at the cisterna magna and lumbar puncture 

• Perform placement of pigtail catheters for use in pelvic trauma cases 

• Perform a partial tarsal arthrodesis  

• Interpret complications of fracture healing   

• Consolidate previously taught surgical techniques   

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Select appropriate imaging modalities   

• Stabilise a Salter Harris type 1/distal femoral physeal fracture with cross pins 

• Formulate management plans for osteosarcoma and osteoarthritis cases 

• Consolidate previously taught techniques 

1. Assess, prioritise, and stabilise fracture patients by applying appropriate analgesia, initial stabilisation techniques, and management strategies for complex injuries such as pelvic trauma, including decisions between conservative and surgical intervention.  

2. Explain fracture biology and biomechanics by describing direct and indirect bone healing, the influence of mechanical forces, stress and strain, and patient age, and by evaluating how biological and mechanical factors interact to influence fracture healing outcomes.  

3. Classify fractures and plan definitive treatment by applying appropriate fracture terminology, the Fracture Patient Assessment System (FPAS), and AO principles to guide fixation strategies, stability selection, and imaging choices for surgical planning.  

4. Manage challenging fracture cases and complications by applying principles of bone grafting, diagnosing and treating open fractures, delayed unions, non-unions, osteomyelitis, malunions, and fracture disease, and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies.  

5. Evaluate fracture repair and progression of healing by interpreting post-operative radiographs using the 4 A’s framework, assessing radiographic signs of bone healing, determining implant stability and readiness for weight-bearing, and making informed decisions regarding implant removal.  

6. Apply supportive therapies and contextualised care in fracture management by selecting and applying appropriate bandaging, splinting, casting, and orthotic devices, developing post-operative care and rehabilitation plans, and collaborating effectively with the veterinary team and allied professionals while balancing patient and owner factors.  

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Perform a complete orthopaedic and neurological examination to differentiate orthopaedic and neurological lameness   

• Perform arthrocentesis and interpret synovial fluid findings (shoulder, elbow, carpus) 

• Classify fractures and apply fracture patient assessment score (FPAS) to guide fracture planning   

• Apply lag screws, positional screws, and cerclage wires correctly using bone models 

• Demonstrate correct orthopaedic instrumentation handling and theatre workflow   

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Use templating software to plan fracture fixation   

• Apply dynamic compression plates (DCP) to a radial fracture 

• Place an intramedullary pin appropriately in the femur, tibia and humerus 

• Perform plate–rod fixation for comminuted femoral fractures   

• Evaluate post-operative radiographs of radius and ulna fracture repairs, plate rod fracture repair

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Apply lag screws with neutralisation plating  to oblique tibial fractures 

• Perform pin and tension band fixation of the tibial tuberosity 

• Perform a lateral approach to the humerus   

• Harvest cancellous bone graft (humerus and ileum) 

• Apply appropriate post-operative coaptation and recognise complications including cast, bivalve splint and modified robert jones 

• Approach the pelvic fracture case 

• Apply FPAS and review post operative radiographs after internal fixation 

1. Analyse shoulder anatomy and diagnose shoulder disorders by explaining surgically relevant feline and canine shoulder anatomy and differentiating congenital and traumatic shoulder luxations using history, physical examination, and imaging findings.  

2. Select and justify treatment options for shoulder disease by comparing conservative and surgical management for shoulder luxation, osteochondrosis of the humeral head, and biceps tenosynovitis, incorporating imaging findings, risks of instability, post-operative rehabilitation needs, and contextualised care factors.  

3. Diagnose and manage elbow disorders by evaluating traumatic and congenital elbow luxations (including the Campbell test), elbow dysplasia (including imaging selection and treatment controversies), humeral intercondylar fissure, and selecting appropriate medical or surgical management strategies.  

4. Apply and justify surgical approaches for elbow pathology by outlining the medial intermuscular approach to the elbow and explaining its role in the management of medial coronoid process disease.  

5. Diagnose and manage carpal and foot conditions by selecting appropriate imaging modalities for traumatic carpal injuries and evaluating treatment options for digital corns and digit disease, including excision, superficial digital flexor tenotomy, digit amputation, and alternative surgical procedures.  

6. Diagnose and manage septic and inflammatory joint disease by interpreting synovial fluid analysis and imaging findings, selecting appropriate lavage techniques, culture-guided antibiotic protocols, and managing feline medial epicondylitis using conservative or surgical approaches.  

7. Integrate contextualised, team-based forelimb care by balancing patient and owner factors in treatment planning, developing post-operative rehabilitation strategies, collaborating with the veterinary team and allied professionals, and determining when referral for physiotherapy or rehabilitation is appropriate.  

1. Analyse hip joint anatomy and diagnose hip disease by evaluating clinically relevant canine and feline hip anatomy and diagnosing conditions including hip dysplasia, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and hip luxation using signalment, physical examination, and imaging findings.  

2. Select and justify management strategies for hip dysplasia and juvenile pelvic procedures by developing treatment plans incorporating conservative management, femoral head and neck excision, total hip replacement, pelvic osteotomies, and juvenile pubic symphysiodesis, based on patient age, size, lifestyle, and expected outcomes.  

3. Perform femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) by applying the craniolateral approach to the coxofemoral joint to safely and effectively excise the femoral head and neck.  

4. Select and justify treatment options for hip luxation and advanced hip surgery by choosing closed reduction or surgical stabilisation based on case-specific factors, and comparing total hip replacement with femoral head and neck excision using functional outcomes and patient- and owner-specific considerations.  

5. Diagnose and manage stifle disorders by analysing stifle anatomy, diagnosing cranial cruciate ligament disease, patellar luxation, meniscal injury, and other stifle conditions, and selecting appropriate conservative or surgical management strategies based on patient factors and published outcomes.  

6. Apply and justify stifle surgical techniques by evaluating extracapsular and osteotomy-based stabilisation procedures, assessing meniscal injury and performing partial meniscectomy when indicated, and selecting corrective techniques for patellar luxation including sulcoplasty, tibial tuberosity transposition, and soft tissue procedures.  

7. Diagnose and manage tarsal and hindlimb foot conditions by selecting appropriate imaging modalities, evaluating injury severity, and recommending conservative or surgical management for tarsal injuries, metatarsal fractures, and hindlimb corns, including superficial digital flexor tenotomy where indicated.  

8. Deliver post-operative, contextualised, and team-based hindlimb care by diagnosing and managing septic arthritis using lavage and culture-guided antibiotic protocols, formulating post-operative care plans and complication monitoring, integrating patient and owner factors into decision-making, and collaborating with the veterinary team and allied professionals, including referral for rehabilitation where appropriate. 

1. Analyse soft tissue traumatic injuries by interpreting clinical presentations of muscle and tendon injuries including iliopsoas injury, quadriceps contracture, flexor carpi ulnaris contracture, and fibrotic myopathies, and evaluating appropriate surgical, rehabilitative, and functional management strategies.  

2. Explain and evaluate tendon healing and repair principles by outlining the phases of tendon healing and analysing the effects of immobilisation, growth factors, and rehabilitation strategies on tendon repair and regeneration.  

3. Compare and justify surgical tendon repair techniques by evaluating suture patterns (including locking loop/Kessler and three-loop pulley), comparing their tensile strength and resistance to gap formation, and selecting appropriate techniques for different clinical scenarios.  

4. Evaluate management strategies for specific tendon and musculotendinous conditions by comparing surgical approaches for Achilles tendinopathy, infraspinatus tendon contracture, quadriceps contracture, and gastrocnemius avulsion, and justifying technique selection based on lesion chronicity and clinical presentation.  

5. Analyse osteoarthritis and evaluate management options by explaining its aetiology and pathophysiology, interpreting physical examination and imaging findings, and formulating comprehensive medical and surgical management plans while considering owner-imposed limitations.  

6. Analyse polyarthritis and justify treatment strategies by interpreting clinical signs and diagnostic test results, differentiating immune-mediated and infectious causes, and formulating treatment plans that consider potential side effects and long-term management needs.  

7. Apply principles of post-operative, contextualised, and interprofessional care by formulating post-operative protocols for ligament and tendon injuries, evaluating indications for physiotherapy or rehabilitation referral, and integrating patient and owner factors through effective collaboration with the veterinary team.   

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Apply perioperative analgesia and antibiotic strategies 

• Perform locoregional anaesthesia and epidural 

• Design ESF frames based on fracture and patient needs   

• Apply linear ESF frames safely: 

• ESF application plastic pipes  

• Type I, Ib, II and III frames  

• ESF application Type II on Tibia  

• Interpret post-operative ESF radiographs and create management plans 

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Perform ESF Type Ib on radius 

• Perform ESF type I with tied in IM pin Femur 

• Pin and tension band repair a lateral malleolus of tibia and place a transarticular ESF 

• Stabilise metacarpal fractures using the dowel pin technique   

• Appraise locking vs non-locking plates and consider common pitfalls 

• Perform a caudolateral approach to the shoulder 

• Perform modified Cheli surgical approach to the shoulder  

• Perform a biceps tenotomy 

• Perform a medial intermuscular approach to the elbow and fragment removal 

• Perform distal ulna ostectomy and bi-oblique dynamic proximal ulna osteotomy   

• Perform superficial digital flexor (SDF) tenotomy for corns   

• Perform digit amputation techniques 

• Discuss decision making and approach to physeal injury, premature closure of the distal ulna and elbow incongruity 

1. Differentiate appendicular osteosarcoma from other bone pathologies by interpreting radiography, advanced imaging (CT/MRI), and histopathology to distinguish neoplasia from osteomyelitis and panosteitis.  

2. Formulate and justify treatment plans for appendicular osteosarcoma by balancing surgical options (limb amputation and limb-sparing procedures) with adjunctive therapies (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), while considering owner needs and limitations.  

3. Analyse metaphyseal osteopathy in young dogs by interpreting clinical and radiographic findings, formulating supportive treatment plans including analgesia and anti-inflammatory therapy, and evaluating strategies for managing relapse.  

4. Analyse panosteitis in growing dogs by interpreting characteristic clinical and radiographic features, selecting evidence-based pain management strategies, and communicating prognosis.  

5. Evaluate craniomandibular osteopathy by recognising key clinical signs and breed predispositions and justifying conservative management strategies based on clinical and radiographic findings.  

6. Analyse swimmer syndrome in neonatal puppies and kittens by interpreting typical clinical signs and explaining how a diagnosis can be reached.  

7. Analyse metabolic bone diseases by differentiating nutritional osteodystrophy from congenital disorders using dietary history, diagnostic imaging, and serum calcium and phosphorus levels, and formulating corrective strategies.  

8. Analyse acute caudal myopathy and juvenile muscle–tendon disorders by correlating clinical signs with history, recommending conservative treatment and prevention strategies, assessing canine hyperlaxity syndrome, and developing rehabilitation protocols.  

9. Apply principles of fracture management in skeletally immature animals by considering growth plate biology, bone strength, and early diagnosis, and selecting and justifying appropriate fixation methods for juvenile fractures.  

10. Analyse angular limb deformities in juvenile patients and plan surgical management by interpreting clinical and radiographic findings, explaining the consequences of premature physeal closure, and describing the indications for and technique of distal ulna ostectomy and bioblique dynamic proximal ulna osteotomy for the management of short ulna syndrome. 

• Case based evaluation of hip conditions 

• Perform the craniolateral approach to the hip 

• Perform a femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) 

• Case based evaluation of stifle conditions including patella luxation and cruciate disease   

• Perform a lateral and medial stifle arthrotomy  

• Inspect the cruciate ligament and meniscus 

• Perform extracapsular stifle stabilisation via a fabello-tibial suture  

• Review post operative FHNE radiographs 

• Consider rehabilitation protocols and expected outcomes for stifle conditions 

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Case based decision making in patella luxation cases 

• Perform corrective surgery for patellar luxation including:  

• Block recession sulcoplasty  

• Wedge recession sulcoplasty  

• Tibial tuberosity transposition  

• Lateral imbrication  

• Medial release     

• Case based discussion of tibiotarsal joint conditions 

• Perform Kessler and three-loop pulley tendon repairs on achilles and digital flexors  

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Perform CSF collection safely at the cisterna magna and lumbar puncture 

• Perform placement of pigtail catheters for use in pelvic trauma cases 

• Perform a partial tarsal arthrodesis  

• Interpret complications of fracture healing   

• Consolidate previously taught surgical techniques   

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Select appropriate imaging modalities   

• Stabilise a Salter Harris type 1/distal femoral physeal fracture with cross pins 

• Formulate management plans for osteosarcoma and osteoarthritis cases 

• Consolidate previously taught techniques 

1. Assess, prioritise, and stabilise fracture patients by applying appropriate analgesia, initial stabilisation techniques, and management strategies for complex injuries such as pelvic trauma, including decisions between conservative and surgical intervention.  

2. Explain fracture biology and biomechanics by describing direct and indirect bone healing, the influence of mechanical forces, stress and strain, and patient age, and by evaluating how biological and mechanical factors interact to influence fracture healing outcomes.  

3. Classify fractures and plan definitive treatment by applying appropriate fracture terminology, the Fracture Patient Assessment System (FPAS), and AO principles to guide fixation strategies, stability selection, and imaging choices for surgical planning.  

4. Manage challenging fracture cases and complications by applying principles of bone grafting, diagnosing and treating open fractures, delayed unions, non-unions, osteomyelitis, malunions, and fracture disease, and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies.  

5. Evaluate fracture repair and progression of healing by interpreting post-operative radiographs using the 4 A’s framework, assessing radiographic signs of bone healing, determining implant stability and readiness for weight-bearing, and making informed decisions regarding implant removal.  

6. Apply supportive therapies and contextualised care in fracture management by selecting and applying appropriate bandaging, splinting, casting, and orthotic devices, developing post-operative care and rehabilitation plans, and collaborating effectively with the veterinary team and allied professionals while balancing patient and owner factors.  

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Perform a complete orthopaedic and neurological examination to differentiate orthopaedic and neurological lameness   

• Perform arthrocentesis and interpret synovial fluid findings (shoulder, elbow, carpus) 

• Classify fractures and apply fracture patient assessment score (FPAS) to guide fracture planning   

• Apply lag screws, positional screws, and cerclage wires correctly using bone models 

• Demonstrate correct orthopaedic instrumentation handling and theatre workflow   

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Use templating software to plan fracture fixation   

• Apply dynamic compression plates (DCP) to a radial fracture 

• Place an intramedullary pin appropriately in the femur, tibia and humerus 

• Perform plate–rod fixation for comminuted femoral fractures   

• Evaluate post-operative radiographs of radius and ulna fracture repairs, plate rod fracture repair

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Apply lag screws with neutralisation plating  to oblique tibial fractures 

• Perform pin and tension band fixation of the tibial tuberosity 

• Perform a lateral approach to the humerus   

• Harvest cancellous bone graft (humerus and ileum) 

• Apply appropriate post-operative coaptation and recognise complications including cast, bivalve splint and modified robert jones 

• Approach the pelvic fracture case 

• Apply FPAS and review post operative radiographs after internal fixation 

1. Analyse shoulder anatomy and diagnose shoulder disorders by explaining surgically relevant feline and canine shoulder anatomy and differentiating congenital and traumatic shoulder luxations using history, physical examination, and imaging findings.  

2. Select and justify treatment options for shoulder disease by comparing conservative and surgical management for shoulder luxation, osteochondrosis of the humeral head, and biceps tenosynovitis, incorporating imaging findings, risks of instability, post-operative rehabilitation needs, and contextualised care factors.  

3. Diagnose and manage elbow disorders by evaluating traumatic and congenital elbow luxations (including the Campbell test), elbow dysplasia (including imaging selection and treatment controversies), humeral intercondylar fissure, and selecting appropriate medical or surgical management strategies.  

4. Apply and justify surgical approaches for elbow pathology by outlining the medial intermuscular approach to the elbow and explaining its role in the management of medial coronoid process disease.  

5. Diagnose and manage carpal and foot conditions by selecting appropriate imaging modalities for traumatic carpal injuries and evaluating treatment options for digital corns and digit disease, including excision, superficial digital flexor tenotomy, digit amputation, and alternative surgical procedures.  

6. Diagnose and manage septic and inflammatory joint disease by interpreting synovial fluid analysis and imaging findings, selecting appropriate lavage techniques, culture-guided antibiotic protocols, and managing feline medial epicondylitis using conservative or surgical approaches.  

7. Integrate contextualised, team-based forelimb care by balancing patient and owner factors in treatment planning, developing post-operative rehabilitation strategies, collaborating with the veterinary team and allied professionals, and determining when referral for physiotherapy or rehabilitation is appropriate.  

1. Analyse hip joint anatomy and diagnose hip disease by evaluating clinically relevant canine and feline hip anatomy and diagnosing conditions including hip dysplasia, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and hip luxation using signalment, physical examination, and imaging findings.  

2. Select and justify management strategies for hip dysplasia and juvenile pelvic procedures by developing treatment plans incorporating conservative management, femoral head and neck excision, total hip replacement, pelvic osteotomies, and juvenile pubic symphysiodesis, based on patient age, size, lifestyle, and expected outcomes.  

3. Perform femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) by applying the craniolateral approach to the coxofemoral joint to safely and effectively excise the femoral head and neck.  

4. Select and justify treatment options for hip luxation and advanced hip surgery by choosing closed reduction or surgical stabilisation based on case-specific factors, and comparing total hip replacement with femoral head and neck excision using functional outcomes and patient- and owner-specific considerations.  

5. Diagnose and manage stifle disorders by analysing stifle anatomy, diagnosing cranial cruciate ligament disease, patellar luxation, meniscal injury, and other stifle conditions, and selecting appropriate conservative or surgical management strategies based on patient factors and published outcomes.  

6. Apply and justify stifle surgical techniques by evaluating extracapsular and osteotomy-based stabilisation procedures, assessing meniscal injury and performing partial meniscectomy when indicated, and selecting corrective techniques for patellar luxation including sulcoplasty, tibial tuberosity transposition, and soft tissue procedures.  

7. Diagnose and manage tarsal and hindlimb foot conditions by selecting appropriate imaging modalities, evaluating injury severity, and recommending conservative or surgical management for tarsal injuries, metatarsal fractures, and hindlimb corns, including superficial digital flexor tenotomy where indicated.  

8. Deliver post-operative, contextualised, and team-based hindlimb care by diagnosing and managing septic arthritis using lavage and culture-guided antibiotic protocols, formulating post-operative care plans and complication monitoring, integrating patient and owner factors into decision-making, and collaborating with the veterinary team and allied professionals, including referral for rehabilitation where appropriate. 

1. Analyse soft tissue traumatic injuries by interpreting clinical presentations of muscle and tendon injuries including iliopsoas injury, quadriceps contracture, flexor carpi ulnaris contracture, and fibrotic myopathies, and evaluating appropriate surgical, rehabilitative, and functional management strategies.  

2. Explain and evaluate tendon healing and repair principles by outlining the phases of tendon healing and analysing the effects of immobilisation, growth factors, and rehabilitation strategies on tendon repair and regeneration.  

3. Compare and justify surgical tendon repair techniques by evaluating suture patterns (including locking loop/Kessler and three-loop pulley), comparing their tensile strength and resistance to gap formation, and selecting appropriate techniques for different clinical scenarios.  

4. Evaluate management strategies for specific tendon and musculotendinous conditions by comparing surgical approaches for Achilles tendinopathy, infraspinatus tendon contracture, quadriceps contracture, and gastrocnemius avulsion, and justifying technique selection based on lesion chronicity and clinical presentation.  

5. Analyse osteoarthritis and evaluate management options by explaining its aetiology and pathophysiology, interpreting physical examination and imaging findings, and formulating comprehensive medical and surgical management plans while considering owner-imposed limitations.  

6. Analyse polyarthritis and justify treatment strategies by interpreting clinical signs and diagnostic test results, differentiating immune-mediated and infectious causes, and formulating treatment plans that consider potential side effects and long-term management needs.  

7. Apply principles of post-operative, contextualised, and interprofessional care by formulating post-operative protocols for ligament and tendon injuries, evaluating indications for physiotherapy or rehabilitation referral, and integrating patient and owner factors through effective collaboration with the veterinary team.   

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Apply perioperative analgesia and antibiotic strategies 

• Perform locoregional anaesthesia and epidural 

• Design ESF frames based on fracture and patient needs   

• Apply linear ESF frames safely: 

• ESF application plastic pipes  

• Type I, Ib, II and III frames  

• ESF application Type II on Tibia  

• Interpret post-operative ESF radiographs and create management plans 

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Perform ESF Type Ib on radius 

• Perform ESF type I with tied in IM pin Femur 

• Pin and tension band repair a lateral malleolus of tibia and place a transarticular ESF 

• Stabilise metacarpal fractures using the dowel pin technique   

• Appraise locking vs non-locking plates and consider common pitfalls 

• Perform a caudolateral approach to the shoulder 

• Perform modified Cheli surgical approach to the shoulder  

• Perform a biceps tenotomy 

• Perform a medial intermuscular approach to the elbow and fragment removal 

• Perform distal ulna ostectomy and bi-oblique dynamic proximal ulna osteotomy   

• Perform superficial digital flexor (SDF) tenotomy for corns   

• Perform digit amputation techniques 

• Discuss decision making and approach to physeal injury, premature closure of the distal ulna and elbow incongruity 

1. Differentiate appendicular osteosarcoma from other bone pathologies by interpreting radiography, advanced imaging (CT/MRI), and histopathology to distinguish neoplasia from osteomyelitis and panosteitis.  

2. Formulate and justify treatment plans for appendicular osteosarcoma by balancing surgical options (limb amputation and limb-sparing procedures) with adjunctive therapies (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), while considering owner needs and limitations.  

3. Analyse metaphyseal osteopathy in young dogs by interpreting clinical and radiographic findings, formulating supportive treatment plans including analgesia and anti-inflammatory therapy, and evaluating strategies for managing relapse.  

4. Analyse panosteitis in growing dogs by interpreting characteristic clinical and radiographic features, selecting evidence-based pain management strategies, and communicating prognosis.  

5. Evaluate craniomandibular osteopathy by recognising key clinical signs and breed predispositions and justifying conservative management strategies based on clinical and radiographic findings.  

6. Analyse swimmer syndrome in neonatal puppies and kittens by interpreting typical clinical signs and explaining how a diagnosis can be reached.  

7. Analyse metabolic bone diseases by differentiating nutritional osteodystrophy from congenital disorders using dietary history, diagnostic imaging, and serum calcium and phosphorus levels, and formulating corrective strategies.  

8. Analyse acute caudal myopathy and juvenile muscle–tendon disorders by correlating clinical signs with history, recommending conservative treatment and prevention strategies, assessing canine hyperlaxity syndrome, and developing rehabilitation protocols.  

9. Apply principles of fracture management in skeletally immature animals by considering growth plate biology, bone strength, and early diagnosis, and selecting and justifying appropriate fixation methods for juvenile fractures.  

10. Analyse angular limb deformities in juvenile patients and plan surgical management by interpreting clinical and radiographic findings, explaining the consequences of premature physeal closure, and describing the indications for and technique of distal ulna ostectomy and bioblique dynamic proximal ulna osteotomy for the management of short ulna syndrome. 

• Case based evaluation of hip conditions 

• Perform the craniolateral approach to the hip 

• Perform a femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) 

• Case based evaluation of stifle conditions including patella luxation and cruciate disease   

• Perform a lateral and medial stifle arthrotomy  

• Inspect the cruciate ligament and meniscus 

• Perform extracapsular stifle stabilisation via a fabello-tibial suture  

• Review post operative FHNE radiographs 

• Consider rehabilitation protocols and expected outcomes for stifle conditions 

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Case based decision making in patella luxation cases 

• Perform corrective surgery for patellar luxation including:  

• Block recession sulcoplasty  

• Wedge recession sulcoplasty  

• Tibial tuberosity transposition  

• Lateral imbrication  

• Medial release     

• Case based discussion of tibiotarsal joint conditions 

• Perform Kessler and three-loop pulley tendon repairs on achilles and digital flexors  

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Perform CSF collection safely at the cisterna magna and lumbar puncture 

• Perform placement of pigtail catheters for use in pelvic trauma cases 

• Perform a partial tarsal arthrodesis  

• Interpret complications of fracture healing   

• Consolidate previously taught surgical techniques   

Practical Learning Outcomes   

• Select appropriate imaging modalities   

• Stabilise a Salter Harris type 1/distal femoral physeal fracture with cross pins 

• Formulate management plans for osteosarcoma and osteoarthritis cases 

• Consolidate previously taught techniques