CourseThe FOT Upper and Lower Extremity Dissection Course 2026 is a two-day, hands-on orthopaedic trauma course focused on the surgical approaches used to treat fractures and complex injuries of the upper and lower limbs. Organised by the Foundation for Orthopedic Trauma, the course brings PGY2–4 orthopaedic residents together with experienced trauma surgeons for focused anatomical dissection, case-based teaching and practical discussion.
The programme covers important exposures around the shoulder, humerus, elbow, forearm, hip, knee, tibia and ankle. Upper-extremity teaching includes deltopectoral and deltoid-splitting approaches to the proximal humerus, anterolateral and posterior approaches to the humeral shaft, distal humerus exposures, the modified Judet approach to the scapula, and approaches to the distal radius and ulna. Lower-extremity sessions address anterior, lateral and posterior approaches to the hip, medial and lateral approaches to the distal femur and proximal tibia, surgical access to ankle and pilon fractures, and one- and two-incision techniques for compartment release of the leg.
Participants work through surgical approaches in the anatomy laboratory and discuss their application to real orthopaedic trauma cases. Small-group teaching, faculty-led debriefs, case presentations and panel discussions help connect anatomical knowledge with operative planning and safe surgical exposure.
The course is intended for PGY2–4 orthopaedic residents. A resident scholarship opportunity is offered through the organiser. The November 2026 course is currently listed as full, with interested residents directed towards the next FOT course.