10322 - Veterinary Orthopaedics

Learning outcomes

Knowledge of the most common clinically relevant orthopaedic disorders, application of the diagnostic approach, and evaluation of surgical techniques. At the end of the course, students will be able to recognize traumatic and developmental orthopaedic disorders and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course Veterinary Surgery and Orthopaedics and provides students with the knowledge and skills required for the clinical approach to the main orthopaedic diseases of dogs and cats. The aim is to develop a systematic diagnostic approach, from orthopaedic examination through interpretation of ancillary diagnostic tests to the selection of the main therapeutic options.

Useful prerequisites include knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy, topographic anatomy, clinical semiology, surgical pathology, and fracture healing.

The programme covers orthopaedic examination and lameness assessment, fracture classification, the biomechanical principles of bone stabilisation, and the main osteosynthesis techniques. It also addresses the most common canine joint disorders, including their diagnostic criteria, surgical indications, and therapeutic principles.

Specifically, the course includes the following theoretical lectures (15 hours):

Orthopaedic examination (3 hours)

• Orthopaedic examination: signalment, history taking, inspection, palpation, specific orthopaedic tests, ancillary diagnostic investigations, and identification of the main orthopaedic anatomical landmarks (2 hours).
• Lameness assessment through discussion of clinical cases and video material (1 hour).

Traumatic and developmental orthopaedic disorders (12 hours)

Fractures and osteosynthesis techniques

• Bone structure, fracture classification, fracture healing, principles of fracture reduction and stabilisation, and selection of the most appropriate repair technique (1 hour).
• Intramedullary pins and application techniques (1 hour).
• Cerclage wiring and tension band wiring (1 hour).
• Screws, bone plates and external skeletal fixation (2 hours).

Joint disorders

• Shoulder and elbow disorders: diagnosis and surgical treatment (2 hours).
• Coxofemoral (hip) disorders: diagnosis and surgical treatment (2 hours).
• Patellar luxation: diagnosis and treatment (2 hours).
• Cranial cruciate ligament rupture: diagnosis and surgical treatment (1 hour).

Practical activities are designed to consolidate theoretical knowledge and develop the clinical reasoning required to manage the most common orthopaedic conditions.

Students are required to wear a laboratory coat to participate in practical sessions.

Specifically, the course includes the following practical sessions (9 hours):

• Simulation of the orthopaedic examination on a healthy dog (2 hours).
• Application of bandages on a healthy dog (2 hours).
• Simulation of the application of the main osteosynthesis techniques using bone models (2 hours).
• Radiographic assessment of hip dysplasia and preoperative planning (2 hours).
• Guided discussion of orthopaedic clinical cases (1 hour).

The course contributes to the achievement of the EAEVE Day One Competences, particularly those related to the diagnostic and therapeutic management of the main orthopaedic disorders of dogs and cats. The complete list is available on the dedicated webpage [http://corsi.unibo.it/magistralecu/MedicinaVeterinaria/syllabi-e-day-one-competences-degli-insegnamenti].

Readings/Bibliography

• Brunnberg L. La diagnosi di zoppicatura nel cane. Giraldi Ed., Bologna, 2002.
• Denny H.R. Compendio di chirurgia ortopedica del cane e del gatto. Cristiano Giraldi Editore, Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO), 1998.
• Denny H.R., Butterworth S.J. A Guide to Canine and Feline Orthopaedic Surgery. 4th ed. Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, 2008.
• DeCamp C.E., Johnston S.A., Déjardin L.M., Schaefer S.L. Brinker, Piermattei and Flo's Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Repair. 5th ed. Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis, 2016.
• Piermattei D.L. Piermattei's Atlas of Surgical Approaches to the Bones and Joints of the Dog and Cat. 5th ed. Elsevier, 2014.
• Fossum T.W. Small Animal Surgery. 6th ed. Elsevier, 2025.
• Supplementary material (scientific articles) is available on the Virtuale e-learning platform.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 15 hours of lectures and 9 hours of practical training.

Lectures are delivered in the classroom and introduce the diagnostic and therapeutic principles of the main orthopaedic disorders.

Practical sessions take place in facilities dedicated to hands-on teaching and include simulation of orthopaedic examination on healthy animals, application of bandages, use of bone models to simulate the main osteosynthesis techniques, interpretation of radiographic images, and guided discussion of clinical cases. These activities are intended to consolidate theoretical knowledge and promote the development of clinical reasoning.

Students are required to wear a laboratory coat and comply with the safety regulations established by the Degree Programme

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of an oral examination lasting approximately 20 minutes. Marks are expressed on a 30-point scale. Results are announced at the end of the examination; the exam is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

The examination includes two questions selected from the following topics:

• description of an osteosynthesis technique and its indications;
• description of the clinical signs and diagnostic work-up of an orthopaedic disorder;
• description of a surgical procedure;
• discussion of a clinical problem (problem-solving).

The examination is designed to assess:

• knowledge of the topics covered;
• ability to apply clinical reasoning to common orthopaedic conditions;
• appropriateness of the proposed therapeutic plan;
• correct use of specialist terminology.

Assessment is based on the completeness and accuracy of knowledge, the ability to apply clinical reasoning to the proposed questions, the appropriateness of diagnostic and therapeutic choices, the ability to integrate different topics, and the correct use of technical terminology.

Grades reflect the achievement of the intended learning outcomes as follows:

• 18–22: essential knowledge and ability to describe the main topics using generally appropriate technical language.
• 23–26: good knowledge, ability to integrate topics and apply clinical reasoning to familiar situations.
• 27–29: broad and in-depth knowledge, independent analysis of questions, and well-reasoned diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
• 30–30 with honours: comprehensive knowledge, ability to critically integrate concepts, independently justify clinical decisions, and demonstrate full command of specialist terminology.

Use of Artificial Intelligence: With regard to assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Students may decline the proposed passing grade once and take the examination again at a subsequent examination session.

Teaching tools

Lecture PowerPoint presentations, scientific articles, and additional teaching materials are available on the Virtuale e-learning platform.

Practical activities make use of healthy animals, bone models, and radiographic material.

Office hours

See the website of Stefania Pinna