IMEX Introduction to Linear and Hybrid ESF Fracture Management Workshop (ExFix) [December 2026 | Park City Campus]

An introductory workshop designed for general practitioners looking to incorporate linear and hybrid external skeletal fixation into their clinical practice. The workshop covers the principles and application techniques of linear and hybrid constructs, including patient selection, equipment, instrumentation and implants, proper application techniques, and postoperative care. Additionally, the workshop discusses the potential complications associated with external skeletal fixation and how to recognize and manage issues that develop in the postoperative convalescent period. Current theory and practice are reinforced through laboratory exercises using plastic bones and cadavers.

The goal is to provide general practitioners with the expertise needed to utilize linear and hybrid external fixation safely and effectively in their clinical practice, improving patient outcomes and expanding their range of treatment options.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the indications and contraindications for external skeletal fixation, including appropriate patient selection and considerations for application of linear and hybrid constructs to different appendicular long bones and types of fractures
• Learn the technical skills necessary to properly apply linear and hybrid constructs, including appropriate pin and wire placement as well as frame construction, minimizing intraoperative and postoperative complications
• Develop an understanding of postoperative care and management of patients, including monitoring for complications
• Learn how to evaluate and modulate the success of external skeletal fixation, through an understanding of the fixator biomechanics, methods of bone grafting and an assessment of fracture healing
• Gain insight into the economics of linear and hybrid fixator application

Day 1

8:00 – 8:15 Introduction and Objectives

8:15 – 8:35 External Skeletal Fixation: Indication, Attributes and Limitations

8:35 – 9:00 Review of Pre-Course Materials: Nomenclature, Components, and Instrumentation

9:00 – 9:15 Break

9:15 – 10:00 Fixator Application and Biomechanics

10:00 – 11:00 Lab 1: Application of a Linear and Hybrid Construct [PVC Pipe]

11:00 – 11:15 Break

11:15 –11:45 Intramedullary Pinning

11:45 –12:30 Lunch

12:30 – 1:45 Lab 2: Application of a Type Ib construct to a Tibial [Linear] and Radial [Hybrid] Fracture [Plastic Bones]

1:45 – 2:15 Break

2:15 – 4:30 Lab 3: Stabilization of Mid-Diaphyseal and Juxta-Articular Tibial Fractures [with and without an IM pin] [Cadaver]

4:30 – 4:45 Key Messages of the Day; What Went Right and What Are the Challenges

4:45 – 5:00 Homework for the Evening

Day 2

8:00 – 8:30 Fracture Healing and Cancellous Bone Grafting

8:30 – 9:00 Homework Review

9:00 – 9:15 Break

9:15 – 10:00 Linear and Hybrid Stabilization of Antebrachial Fractures

10:00 – 12:15 Lab 4: Application of Linear and Hybrid Constructs for Radius and Ulnar Fractures; Cancellous Bone Graft Procurement [Cadaver]

12:15 – 1:00 Lunch

1:00 – 2:00 Proximal Limb Fracture Stabilization with Linear and Hybrid Constructs

2:00 – 4:15 Lab 5: Proximal Limb Fracture Stabilization with Linear and Hybrid Constructs [Cadaver]

4:15 – 4:45 Post-Operative Care and Complications

4:45 – 5:00 Bringing All Together