Pre-Course Certification

pre-course certification

The LESS CHAOS Pre-Course Certification offers two days of focused training in static and dynamic circular external fixation on April 20–21, 2027. Expert-led lectures and hands-on labs cover frame assembly, safe wire and pin placement, deformity correction, and applications for complex fusions, trauma, and Charcot reconstruction. Participants will also explore postoperative care and complication management and will receive certificates at the conclusion of the course.

THE PRE-COURSE CERTIFICATION WILL OCCUR AT THE PHILADELPHIA MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN, LOCATED DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE LESS CHAOS HOST HOTEL, LOEWS. ALL OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AT LOEWS.

Tuesday, April 20: Didactic Lectures

Lecture topics are subject to change without notice.

History and evolution of circular external fixation	Static, dynamic, and hexapod fixation strategies
Indications for static circular external fixation in trauma and definitive fixation	Biomechanical principles: fixator stiffness and loading
Frame components, assembly, and procedure-specific configurations	Tibial and pedal anatomic safe zones for wire and pin placement
Skinny wire and half-pin insertion techniques	Step-by-step frame planning, construction, and application
Static external fixation for complex ankle and hindfoot fusions	Constrained ankle distraction arthroplasty
Static external fixation for ankle trauma	Calcaneal fracture reduction and fixation
Bent wire techniques for subtalar, triple, and Lisfranc arthrodesis	Static external fixation for Charcot neuroarthropathy

Wednesday, April 21: Hands-On Lab Modules

Each module includes a case presentation and hands-on laboratory instruction. Topics are subject to change without notice.

Module 1: Circular Frame Application for Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) Fusion — Step-by-step application of an all-skinny-wire static frame.
Module 2: Circular Frame Application for Ankle Fusion — Step-by-step application of a hybrid static frame using skinny wires and half-pins.
Module 3: Bent Wire Compression Techniques — Techniques for Lisfranc, subtalar, and triple arthr
odesis, including skin recruitment.
Module 4: Constrained Ankle Distraction — Frame application incorporating Inman’s axis.
Module 5: Midfoot Charcot and Equinus Correction — Steering wheel technique for midfoot Charcot deformity and constrained equinus correction.

Pre-course certification hours and CMEs

Date	Lecture Hours	# of CME Credits
Tuesday, April 20, 2027	11:00 am - 10:00 pm	TBA
Wednesday, April 21, 2027	7:30 am - 6:00 pm	TBA

The hours listed are in the Eastern Time Zone.

HELPFUL LINKS

Lecture Schedule- COMING SOON
Event Registration- opens December 1
Registration Brochure
Pre-Course Certification
Surgical Symposium Lectures & Workshops
Hotel Reservations
Visit Philly
CME Credit Attendance Verification Times

Cancellation Policies

The Goldfarb Foundation is unable to assume risk or responsibility for the exhibitors’ and/or registrants’ time or expenses should an act of God, government action, aviation disruption, disaster, weather, or other force beyond the control of the Goldfarb Foundation make it inadvisable or impossible to conduct this event. The registrant may wish to consider purchasing personal travel insurance to insure his/her expenses.

CANCELLATIONS APRIL 1, 2027, AND BEFORE
A nonrefundable $150 administrative fee will be charged on all LESS CHAOS: PHL registration cancellations. The remaining balance will be made by refund in the matter in which the original payment was made.

CANCELLATIONS APRIL 2, 2027, AND AFTER
No refunds will be issued for cancellations received on April 2, 2027, and after. Registered individuals who do not attend the meeting are considered “No Shows” and will not receive a refund.

All cancellations must be made by email to Lara Beer-Caulfield lara@ppma.org.