What You Need to Know: Orthopedic Reasoning/Pathology/Rehab- Module 3: Thoracic & Lumbar Spine

Course Description:

This course utilizes the text: Orthopedic Clinical Advisor by Derrick Sueki, PT, DPT, GCPT, OCS and Jacklyn Brechter, PhD, PT.  This course will help you access the information you need to confidently handle multiple orthopedic conditions.  Essential clinical reference information provides up-to-date diagnostic and therapeutic information on common conditions in a bulleted, quick-reference format ideal for both students and practitioners. Content is written entirely by orthopedic therapists and is logically organized to promote accurate, efficient differential diagnosis and intervention. 

Module 3: Thoracic & Lumbar Spine covers:

• Chapter 4b: Orthopedic Reasoning- Thoracic Spine
• Chapter 5b: Orthopedic Reasoning- Lumbar Spine
• Chapter 3c: Orthopedic Pathology- Thoracic Spine
• Chapter 4c: Orthopedic Pathology- Lumbar Spine
• Chapter 2d: Rehab & Common Questions- Thoracic Spine
• Chapter 3d: Rehab & Common Questions- Lumbar Spine 

Diagnoses covered are:

• Costochondritis
• First Rib Dysfunction
• Osteoporosis
• Rib Fracture
• Scheuermann Disease
• Scoliosis
• T4 Syndrome
• Thoracic Compression Fracture
• Thoracic Disc Pathology
• Central Stenosis
• Degenerative Joint Disease (Lumbar)
• Interforaminal Stenosis
• Lumbar Disc Pathology
• Lumbar Instability
• Lumbar Ligament Strain
• Lumbar Muscle Strain
• Lumbar Radiculopathy
• Lumbar Spondylolysis/Spondylolisthesis
• Lumbar Spondylosis
• Lumbar Stenosis 

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 prevalence and prognosis of thoracic pathology
2. Identify visceral structure that can refer pain into the thoracic region
3. Recognize functional and activity participation limitations with thoracic pathology
4. Identify symptoms of thoracic pathologies that may require a referral to a physician
5. Recognize the prevalence and prognosis of lumbar pathologies
6. Differentiate between nerves implicated with reflex loss findings
7. Recognize functional and activity participation limitations with lumbar pathology
8. Recognize issues with chronicity of pain
9. Recognize synonyms for Costochondritis
10. Identify proper components of a rehabilitation program for a patient with Osteoporosis
11. Recognize surgical indicators for patients with Scheuermann Disease
12. Identify the potential differential diagnoses that need to be considered with Thoracic Compression Fracture
13. Recognize the epidemiology and demographics of Lumbar Disc Pathology
14. Identify contributing factors to Lumbar Muscle Strain
15. Differentiate between physical findings in a patient with Lumbar Spondylolysis/Spondylolisthesis
16. Identify the epidemiology and demographics of Lumbar Stenosis
17. Differentiate between thoracic motion restrictions and proper mobilization/manipulation
18. Identify general low back factors
19. Recognize which interventions have proved most successful in treating patients with low back pain
20. Identify how a clinician knows if a patient with low back pain is ready to progress to a new exercise 

Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:

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