Neurological Scan as Part of the Orthopedic Examination
Presented by Pam Kikillus
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Clinicians regularly perform some type of neurological scan as part of an orthopedic examination. This is one of the basics that need to be done well. There is a great deal of variation in scanning techniques and documentation of results. This course will examine the main portions of the neurological scan as part of a typical orthopedic examination. The course will discuss meaningful results and documentation of those results. Examples will be provided to predict the level/location of nerve root involvement based on the results of the neurological scan.
Meet your instructor
Pam Kikillus
Pam Kikillus received her entry-level physical therapy degree and a Doctor of Health Science degree from the University of Indianapolis. She is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, a certified hand therapist, and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. She practices physical…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. The Role of the Neurological Scan as Part of the Orthopedic Examination
This chapter will provide an overview of the contents of the neurological scan as part of the orthopedic examination. It will discuss the purpose of the scan and its role in the overall examination/evaluation.
2. Sensory Testing
This chapter will present the dermatomal patterns and their variations. It will demonstrate light-touch sensation as part of the scan. There will be a discussion of meaningful documentation of the sensory scan results.
3. Motor Testing
This chapter will present the myotomal patterns. It will demonstrate manual resistance testing as part of the scan. There will be a discussion of meaningful results and the documentation of the motor scan results.
4. Reflex Testing
This chapter will discuss the role of reflex testing in the neurological scan. It will present key reflexes and their corresponding nerve roots. There will be a discussion about meaningful documentation of the results.
5. The Patterns: Putting it All Together
This chapter will combine the results of sensory, motor, and reflex testing. It will discuss predictable patterns that are clinically meaningful. Examples of findings will be provided, along with a discussion of results that warrant additional medical assessment.