The Orthopedic Initial Assessment- Keys to a Thorough Evaluation

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/orthopedic 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.

The Orthopedic Initial Assessment: Keys to a Thorough Evaluation covers:

Chapter 1: Principles and Concepts 

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. Identify the Red Flag findings on initial evaluation that indicate the need for referral to a physician
2. Differentiate between systemic and musculoskeletal pain
3. Identify the sources of constant pain
4. Recognize the summary of psychological processes and their possible effect on pain and disability
5. Differentiate between nerve root dermatomes, myotomes, reflexes and paresthetic areas
6. Recognize normal and abnormal end feels
7. Identify the four classic patterns of lesions of contractile and nervous tissue
8. Identify the characteristics of postural and phasic muscle groups
9. Recognize an example of a clinical outcome versus a functional outcome
10. Identify special test considerations
11. Differentiate between pathological reflexes
12. Differentiate between grades of tenderness when palpating
13. Recognize common circulatory pulse locations
14. Recognize the ABCDs Search Pattern for Radiologic Image Interpretation
15. Identify the uses of Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

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