ABOUT THIS COURSE
Too often, fractures of the pelvic limb go unoperated. This course gives veterinary practitioners the skills to conquer seven most common orthopedic procedures of the pelvic limb. Various levels of difficulty include: Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO), Tibial tuberosity avulsions, tibia fracture fixation with External Fixation (ExFix), distal femoral Salter fractures with cross pins, ilium fractures with String of Pearls (SOP) plates, femoral fractures with pin/rod String of Pearls (SOP) plates, and bone grafting. Full lectures in mp4, powerpoint, and/or pdf format will be sent to attendees prior to the course so didactic information is at one’s own pace, and laboratory time maximized. Step-by-step pdf or ppt manuals will guide the practical lab and serve as practice references. After a brief review and quiz, each procedure will be demonstrated by experienced board-certified surgeons. Attendees will spend two days performing surgery under careful guidance and by the instructors in 1 instructor to 6 attendee ratios. Attendees will work in groups of 2, offering experience in performing and assisting on each side of the cadaver. Post operative radiographs will be taken and evaluated. Broaden capabilities and hone skills in these common orthopedic operations.
Conquer Fractures of the Pelvic Limb
Date: April 20–21, 2027
Venue: Nashville Center I, Viticus Group, Nashville, TN
Category: Surgery-Orthopedic
Enrollment Capacity: 24
CE Hours: 16
Cost: $3,255
Target Audience: Veterinarian
Instructors:
Karl Kraus
DVM, MS, DACVS
Registration Deadline: April 13, 2027
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
| Perform a femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) to address appropriate orthopedic conditions of the pelvic limb. |
| Identify and repair tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures, including creating and stabilizing a fracture model during laboratory practice. |
| Perform tibial fracture fixation using external fixation (ExFix) following creation of a mid-diaphyseal tibial fracture model. |
| Stabilize distal femoral Salter fractures using cross-pin fixation, developing appropriate surgical technique through guided hands-on practice. |
| Harvest bone graft for use in orthopedic procedures. |
| Apply String of Pearls (SOP) plates to repair ilial fractures using appropriate fracture fixation techniques. |
| Repair femoral fractures using pin/rod and String of Pearls (SOP) plate fixation techniques. |
| Evaluate postoperative radiographs to assess fracture reduction and implant placement following orthopedic procedures. |
| Demonstrate practical surgical skills in performing and assisting with pelvic limb orthopedic procedures through supervised laboratory practice. |
LAB INSTRUCTORS
Karl Kraus, DVM, MS, DACVS
HOTEL AND TRAVEL TIPS

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS AND TRAVEL TIPS
Make your trip to the Viticus Group Nashville Center 1 easier with preferred hotel rates, convenient transportation options, and everything you need to know before you arrive.
Preferred Hotel Rates Available
Viticus Group has secured preferred rates at select Nashville hotels for WVC Academy participants. Several properties are located within walking distance of Viticus Group Nashville Center 1, while downtown options provide convenient access to Nashville dining and entertainment.
BOOKING YOUR HOTEL STAY
Home2 Suites by Hilton Nashville Airport
832 Royal Parkway, Nashville, TN 37214
Located adjacent to Viticus Group Nashville Center 1 and offering the closest access to the training facilities.
Preferred rate: $139 or 15% off, whichever is lower.
Rate availability: Through Dec. 31, 2026.
2825 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
Approximately 0.5 miles from Viticus Group Nashville Center 1 and within walking distance.
Preferred rates: Jan.–Mar. $119 | Apr.–Oct. $139 | Nov.–Dec. $119
Rate availability: Through Dec. 31, 2026.
AC by Marriott Nashville Downtown
410 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
Located downtown, approximately four blocks from Broadway and 7.2 miles from Viticus Group Nashville Center 1.
Preferred rate: 12% off the best available rate.
Rate availability: Through Dec. 31, 2026. High-demand blackout dates may apply.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Nashville Downtown
410 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
Located downtown, approximately four blocks from Broadway and 7.2 miles from Viticus Group Nashville Center 1.
Preferred rate: 12% off the best available rate.
Rate availability: Through Dec. 31, 2026. High-demand blackout dates may apply.
118 12th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203
Located in The Gulch, approximately 9 miles from Viticus Group Nashville Center 1, with convenient access to restaurants and entertainment.
Preferred rates: Jan.–Mar. $179 | Apr.–Jun. $199 | Jul.–Aug. $179 | Sep.–Dec. $199
Rate availability: Through Dec. 31, 2026.
DINING & REFRESHMENTS
- Check with your hotel regarding available breakfast options before your course. Viticus Group does not serve breakfast.
- Hot and cold beverages and snacks are available in the Viticus Center lobby during your course.
- Lunch is provided during full, 8-hour lab days.
- Have dietary restrictions? Email Academy@viticusgroup.org before your course so our catering team can prepare accordingly.
WHAT TO BRING
- Closed-toe shoes are required during labs.
- Scrubs are available upon arrival if needed.
- Bring a light sweater or jacket for cooler indoor spaces.
- Rain is possible in Nashville. If you plan to walk between your hotel and the Viticus Center, consider bringing an umbrella or lightweight rain jacket.
- Bring a phone charger or portable power bank.
- Carry a valid photo ID with you while traveling.
AIRPORT & HOTEL TRANSPORTATION
Home2 Suites by Hilton Nashville Airport:
Airport shuttle service is available. Please arrange airport transportation directly with the hotel, as shuttle schedules and availability may vary. Transportation between the hotel and Viticus Group Nashville Center 1 is not provided because the facility is located adjacent to the hotel and is within walking distance.
Element by Westin:
Complimentary hotel shuttle service is available to and from the airport and locations within a 2-mile radius of the hotel, including Viticus Group Nashville Center 1. Shuttle service must be scheduled in advance with the hotel front desk. The Viticus Center is also approximately 0.5 miles away and within walking distance.
Downtown Hotels:
Participants staying at AC by Marriott Nashville Downtown, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Nashville Downtown, or Caption by Hyatt will need to arrange their own transportation to and from Viticus Group Nashville Center 1. Transportation options include taxi service, Uber, or Lyft.
Walking to the Viticus Center:
Participants staying at nearby partner hotels may walk to Viticus Group Nashville Center 1. Because rain is possible in Nashville, please check the weather before your course and plan accordingly.
SHUTTLES AND TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation options vary depending on where you stay. Our nearby preferred hotels offer convenient access to Viticus Group Nashville Center 1, with airport and local shuttle options available at select properties.
Airport Transportation
Element Nashville Airport and Home2 Suites by Hilton Nashville Airport both offer airport shuttle service. Please arrange airport transportation directly with your hotel. Shuttle schedules and availability may vary.
Element Nashville Airport
Viticus Group does not provide transportation between the hotel and Viticus Group Nashville Center 1 because the facility is within walking distance.
The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport and locations within a 2-mile radius, including Viticus Group Nashville Center 1. Shuttle service must be scheduled in advance with the hotel front desk.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Nashville Airport
Viticus Group does not provide transportation between the hotel and Viticus Group Nashville Center 1 because the facility is within walking distance.
STAYING ELSEWHERE
If you choose to stay at Caption by Hyatt or another hotel in the Broadway or downtown Nashville areas, you will need to arrange your own transportation to and from Viticus Group Nashville Center 1.
Transportation options include taxi service, Uber , and Lyft.

