The Spine- A Differential Diagnosis

Course Description:

This course utilizes the text from Orthopedic Secrets, by Surena Namdari, MD, Stephen Pill, MD and Samir Mehta, MD. The course presents Spinal Orthopedic case studies and then walks the reader through the most important aspects of the differential diagnosis. The material offers easy to reference answers to the most important clinical orthopedic questions including mnemonics, bulleted lists and practical tips. The course will help enable you to zero in on key orthopedic information and more quickly and thoroughly make a differential diagnosis. The information is interesting, evidence-based, outcome based and up-to-date.  

This course covers chapter 9: 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.  Differentiate between vertebral levels and their functions
2.  Recognize sensory dermatomes and their corresponding anatomic landmarks
3.  Identify the mechanism of injury of an odontoid fracture
4.  Differentiate between the types of spinal cord injury
5.  Recognize the incidence and prevalence of common spinal injuries/diseases
6.  Identify physical exam tests that indicate radiculopathy from spondylitic changes
7.  Identify the parameters used for monitoring spinal deformity
8.  Recognize when surgery is recommended for Scheuermann's kyphosis
9.  Differentiate between complications seen after decompression for spinal stenosis
10. Recognize when fusion is indicated for recurrent lumbar disc herniation 

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

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