Primary care practitioners are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing musculoskeletal issues. Accurate and timely diagnosis within the office setting is crucial for effective patient care and management. This conference provides an in-depth exploration of Office Orthopedics For Primary Care Diagnosis, equipping healthcare professionals with the latest evidence-based knowledge and pragmatic approaches to common orthopedic and sports medicine conditions. Through dynamic lectures, interactive case studies, and hands-on workshops, participants will gain enhanced competence in diagnosing, treating, and determining optimal treatment pathways to improve patient outcomes in primary care settings.
This continuing medical education program is tailored for physicians and healthcare professionals seeking to refine their skills in office orthopedics and sports medicine. Our national faculty of speakers are dedicated to enhancing the expertise of primary care clinicians, delivering the most current best practices and diagnostic techniques applicable within the constraints of a typical office visit.
Comprehensive Approach to Common Shoulder Problems
Shoulder pain is a frequent complaint in primary care. This session delves into the evaluation and care of common shoulder problems, focusing on practical diagnostic strategies for the office. Participants will learn to identify when referral to a specialist is necessary and master the superficial landmarks of the shoulder for precise physical examinations. A key objective is to demonstrate an efficient yet thorough shoulder exam to accurately diagnose prevalent shoulder conditions within the primary care setting.
Knee Examination and Sports-Related Issues: An Update
Knee pain, especially related to sports injuries, is another common presentation in primary care. This comprehensive update on knee issues is divided into two parts. The first part covers knee joint anatomy and biomechanics relevant to function, essential knowledge for accurate diagnosis. Participants will learn key knee exam tests specifically designed to identify common sports-related knee problems, understand first-line treatments, and determine appropriate referral criteria.
The second part of the knee update focuses on refining examination techniques for diverse patient populations and maximizing diagnostic accuracy. This session emphasizes demonstrating key knee exam tests applicable to sports injuries and synthesizing overlapping clinical tests to improve diagnostic precision in various knee injury presentations encountered in primary care offices.
Sports Concussion: Current Diagnostic and Management Strategies
Concussion management is an evolving area, particularly in sports medicine. This session provides a current understanding of this complex medical issue, focusing on diagnostic challenges and solutions within primary care. Participants will review current concussion care recommendations, define common diagnostic and management challenges faced in primary care settings, and identify practical solutions to enhance evaluation, treatment planning, and referral decisions for patients with sports-related concussions.
Pediatric Sports Medicine: Key Diagnostic Pearls
Musculoskeletal issues in young athletes require specialized diagnostic considerations. This session highlights key pediatric sports medicine issues that primary care providers should not miss, particularly in the knee and hip. A deeper understanding of growth plates in pediatric anatomy and their relevance to sports injuries is emphasized. Participants will learn crucial history-taking and examination tips for adolescent athletes to improve office-based diagnosis, determine appropriate referral points, and identify key risk minimization strategies for overuse injuries in the pediatric athlete population.
Low Back and Hip Pain Assessment in Primary Care
Low back and hip pain are extremely common presentations. This session focuses on efficient and effective diagnostic approaches in the primary care office, including the evolving role of virtual assessments. Participants will review basic lumbar and pelvic anatomy, learn to systematically assess low back and hip pain through history taking, and implement a structured physical examination applicable in the office setting.
Diagnosing Upper Extremity Radicular Pain and Tingling
Upper extremity radicular pain and tingling pose diagnostic challenges. This session addresses these challenges by reviewing cervical spine and brachial plexus anatomy. Participants will learn to systematically assess upper extremity pain and tingling through history and physical examination in the office. The session will guide the selection of appropriate physical examination and imaging tests to aid in differential diagnoses, including thoracic outlet syndrome and cervical radiculopathy, and establish clear indications for specialist referral.
Evaluation and Care of Foot and Ankle Problems: A Primary Care Approach
Foot and ankle problems are frequently seen in primary care. This two-part session provides a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management. The first part covers basic foot and ankle anatomy and function, correlating anatomical knowledge with physical exam findings for common conditions. Participants will learn to develop effective treatment plans for common foot and ankle problems, applicable in the primary care office.
The second part of the foot and ankle session focuses on refining diagnostic skills and referral criteria. Participants will learn to identify when specialist referral is necessary, recognize superficial landmarks for accurate physical exams, and demonstrate efficient and thorough examination techniques to diagnose common foot and ankle conditions within the primary care setting.
Common Wrist, Hand, and Finger Injuries: Office Diagnosis and Initial Management
Injuries to the wrist, hand, and fingers are frequent, especially in active individuals. This session focuses on the diagnosis and initial management of common closed injuries in the office. Participants will review functional hand anatomy relevant to examination and treatment. The session will guide the synthesis of first-line conservative treatments for common hand, wrist, and finger injuries encountered in sports and primary care, determine appropriate radiographic imaging, and summarize treatment plans including bracing indications for office management.
Women’s Sports Issues: Diagnosis and Management in Primary Care
This session addresses specific sports-related health issues in women, focusing on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports (REDS), previously known as Female Athlete Triad. Participants will learn to identify the three components of REDS and their clinical implications for diagnosis in primary care. Key history and examination components relevant to REDS will be highlighted, along with potential treatment considerations and postpartum recovery recommendations for female athletes, enhancing diagnostic and management skills in this specific population within the primary care setting.
