Orthopedic Physical Assessment- Module 1: Cervical and Thoracic Spine

Course Description:

This course utilizes the text from Orthopedic Physical Assessment, by David J. Magee, PhD, BPT. The author offers a systematic approach to performing a neuromusculoskeletal assessment with rationales for various aspects of the assessment. This comprehensive course is complete with extensive use of tables, full color pictures of special tests, reliability and validity of many of the special tests, and radiographic highlights.

Module 1: Cervical and Thoracic Spine covers chapters 3 and 8.

• Chapter 3: Cervical Spine
• Chapter 8: Thoracic (Dorsal) Spine 

Methods of Instruction:

Online course available via internet 

Target Audience:

Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants and Athletic Trainers. 

Educational Level:

Intermediate 

Prerequisites:

None 

Course Goals and Objectives:

At the completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Recognize the applied anatomy for the cervical spine
2. Differentiate between the signs and symptoms arising from cervical spine pathology
3. Identify the signs of headaches having a cervical origin
4. Identify the differential diagnosis of neurological disorders of the cervical spine and upper limb
5. Identify cervical movement restrictions and possible causes
6. List muscles of the cervical spine: their actions and nerve supply
7. Recognize the components of a functional assessment of the cervical spine
8. Differentiate between cervical tests for neurological symptoms
9. Identify the upper limb tension tests and their individual nerve bias
10. Differentiate between tests for cervical instability
11. Identify the pain referral pattern of the cervical spine
12. Identify the differential diagnosis of cervical facet syndrome, cervical nerve root lesion, and thoracic outlet syndrome
13. Identify the applied anatomy of the thoracic spine
14. Recognize common chest deformities
15. Identify active movements of the thoracic spine
16. Differentiate between special tests commonly performed on the thoracic spine
17. Differentiate between tests for failed load transfer (loss of movement control)
18. Identify the pain referral pattern of the thoracic spine
19. List common palpation structures
20. Recognize the differential diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and thoracic spinal stenosis 

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

A score of 70% or greater on the post-test