PTA 215 Orthopedics in PTA

All PTA Program courses may only be attempted twice and the minimimum passing grade is a C+.

Learners should consult with the PTA Program Textbook chart prior to making any purchases for this course to determine whether or not there have been any changes in the recommendations from the instructor from a prior semester.

Primal Pictures Interactive Functional Anatomy Software www.primalpicures.com ISBN 1-90247089-3

A goniometer is required and additional handouts are provided by the instructor.

Integrate knowledge and clinical skills to develop effective manual skills for orthopedic conditions for the purpose of screening, assessing patient progress or assisting the PT in the determination of whether or not further testing is required for peripheral joints.
Demonstrate the ability to access professional literature for continued development of knowledge and skills in the management of orthopedic conditions.

Describe normal and abnormal responses to orthopedic assessment screening tests for peripheral joints
States the findings from orthopedic assessment screening tests for peripheral joints
Identify orthopedic assessment screening tests for the peripheral joints
Describe orthopedic assessment screening tests for the cervical and lumbar spine

Demonstrate competence in the performance of documenting patient results as reported by the evaluating PT from selected orthopedic assessment screening tests for peripheral joints
Demonstrate competence in the performance of documenting patient results as reported by the evaluating PT from selected orthopedic assessment screening tests for the cervical and lumbar spine
Distinguish between normal and abnormal patient responses when observing or performing orthopedic assessment screening tests for peripheral joints
Recognize when orthopedic assessment screening tests for peripheral joints should not be performed due to contraindications or a change in the patient’s status

Accept responsibility for assessment skills and seek assistance from the physical therapist and guidance for continuing education courses for further development of these skills
Recognizes the importance of clinical affiliations where orthopedic assessment skills can be practiced and refined and seeks clinicals and employment for that purpose Practice assessment skills and seek assistance from the physical therapist and continuing education courses for further development of these skills

Goal 1. Communication. Students will communicate effectively in both speech and writing.

Goal 3. Science. Students will use the scientific method of inquiry, through the acquisition of scientific knowledge.

Goal 9. Ethical Reasoning and Action. Students will understand ethical issues and situations.

Goal A. Written and Oral Communication in English. Students will communicate effectively in speech and writing, and demonstrate proficiency in reading.

Goal B. Critical Thinking and Problem-solving. Students will use critical thinking and problem solving skills in analyzing information.

Goal C. Ethical Decision-Making. Students will recognize, analyze and assess ethical issues and situations.

Goal D. Information Literacy. Students will recognize when information is needed and have the knowledge and skills to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information for college level work.

Goal F. Collaboration and Cooperation. Students will develop the interpersonal skills required for effective performance in group situations.

Goal G. Intra-Cultural and Inter-Cultural Responsibility. Students will demonstrate an awareness of the responsibilities of intelligent citizenship in a diverse and pluralistic society, and will demonstrate cultural, global, and environmental awareness.

Be responsible for having demonstrated professional behavior patterns which include, but are not limited to, adhering to designated times for each educational experience, following a dress code, being adequately prepared, participating in class discussions, following laboratory and safety rules and displaying appropriate interpersonal dynamics, and communication skills including an oral presentation. (Gen Ed Goals: 1, Core Skill Goals A,&G)

Unit II The Cervical and Lumbar Spine

Integrate knowledge and clinical skills to develop effective physical therapy interventions for the cervical and lumbar spine (Gen Ed Goals: 3, Core Skill Goals B, D & F)

Define scoliosis as either functional or non-functional.
Identify primary and secondary curves.
Compare and contrast kyphosis vs. lordosis as a pathological entity.
Deduce from a patient problem, likely structural abnormalities associated with scoliosis.
Discuss acute or chronic mechanical sprains and strains of the low back in terms of signs and symptoms.
Diagram anatomy of the intervertebral disk, changes with age and pathology at the disk level.
Differentiate between herniation and bulge.
Define spondylolisthesis as either stable or unstable and define a treatment approach for each.
Define and discuss various exercise approaches appropriate for spinal conditions in the cervical and lumbar spines including but not limited to: degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease, fusions, sprains & strains, thoracic outlet syndrome, flexion versus extension, laminectomies, stenosis, surgical and non-surgical fractures, microdiscectomies, piroformis syndrome,and sacroiliac dysfunction.
Demonstrate the ability to correctly instruct an individual in exercise treatment for conditions of the spine within the plan of care established by the PT.

Integrate knowledge and clinical skills to develop effective physical therapy interventions for the lower extremity. (Gen Ed Goals: 3, Core Skill Goals B, D & F)

Define the etiology, pathology, clinical picture, and treatment of the following lower extremity conditions of the hip including but not limited to:
Define the etiology, pathology, clinical picture and treatment of the following lower extremity conditions of the knee including but not limited to surgical versus non-surgical options, standardized protocols for operative procedures involving:

meniscal lesions
ligamentous injury of the knee
osteochondritis dessicans
dislocation of patella
bursitis/tendinitis
shin splints
patello femoral syndrome/chondromalacia
degenerative joint disease
lateral release surgery
tibial fracture

Describe the etiology, pathology, clinical picture and treatment of the following lower extremity conditions including but not limited to surgical versus non-surgical options, standardized protocols for operative procedures involving ligamentous and other injuries of the foot and ankle for: (Gen Ed Goals: 3, Core Skill Goals B, D & F)

plantar fascitis
achilles rupture
compartment syndrome
Morton’s neuroma
heel spur

metatarsalgia
Identify common deformities of the foot including pes planus, hallux valgus, hammer toe
Deep Vein Thrombosis

Homan’s Sign

Demonstrate the ability to correctly instruct an individual in an exercise program for conditions of the lower extremity within the plan of care established by the PT.

Unit IV The Upper Extremity

Integrate knowledge and clinical skills to develop effective physical therapy interventions for upper extremity conditions. (Gen Ed Goals: 3, Core Skill Goals B, D & F)

Describe shoulder pathology, etiology, clinical picture, and treatment of the following upper extremity conditions which may be surgical or non-surgical and involve specific protocols including but not limited to:
Describe the etiology, pathology, clinical picture and treatment of the following upper extremity conditions which may be surgical or non-surgical and involve specific protocols including but not limited to:
Demonstrate the ability to correctly instruct an individual in an exercise program for conditions of the upper extremity within the plan of care established by the PT.

Unit V Management of Patients with Orthopedic Disorders

Demonstrate ability to identify and perform effective interventions in the management of patients with orthopedic disorders. (Gen Ed Goals: 3, Core Skill Goals B, C, D & F)

Demonstrate the ability to integrate previous classroom and laboratory knowledge and skills (including but not limited to therapeutic exercise, data collection, transfers, gait training and documentation) to obtain proposed goals for patients with orthopedic disorders.
Demonstrate ability to assess patient’s response to treatment and identify appropriate treatment modifications within the plan of care.
Describe how the PTA assists the PT with discharge planning.

Unit VI Professional Literature and Orthopedic Conditions

Demonstrate the ability to access professional literature for continued development of knowledge and skills in the management of orthopedic conditions. (Gen Ed Goals: 1, 3 &9 Core Skill Goals A, B,C, D, F&G)