Orthopedic Physical Assessment- Module 2: Lumbar 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 2: Lumbar Spine covers chapter 9 

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 of the lumbar spine
2. Identify components of a thorough differential patient history
3. Recognize common patterns of back pain
4. Recognize the differential diagnosis of mechanical low back pain
5. Identify important patient body observations during examination
6. Recognize normal movements and end feels of the lumbar spine
7. Identify special tests for the abdominal musculature
8. List the myotomes of the lumbar spine and lower limb
9. Recognize the components of Wadell's tests for organic and nonorganic back pain
10. Recognize the proper procedures for performing special tests for neurological dysfunction
11. Differentiate between the modifications of the Straight Leg Raising Test
12. Recognize the proper procedures for performing special tests for lumbar instability
13. Recognize the proper procedures for performing special tests for joint dysfunction
14. Differentiate between tests for muscle tightness, muscle dysfunction, and intermittent claudication
15. Recognize the proper procedures for performing special tests for malingering
16. Identify special tests for reflexes and cutaneous distribution
17. Differentiate between peripheral nerve lesions by location
18. Recognize common observations on plain film radiography
19. Recognize common observations on bone scans
20. Recognize the differential diagnosis of lumbar strain and posterolateral lumbar disc herniation

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

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