Regional Review of Musculoskeletal Systems: Head, Neck, and Cervical Spine

Presented by Michael Fink

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NOTE: This course is part of a nine course series by Michael Fink on Medical Screening and Differential Diagnosis*.

Through a lecture and demonstration format, this course will offer a comprehensive look at common musculoskeletal pathologies concerning the head, neck, and cervical spine. It will introduce evidence and procedures integral to making sound judgments as it relates to medical screening and differential diagnosis within the patient/client management model. It will describe how medical, orthopedic, and neurological problems may be interrelated thus making differential diagnosis of neuromusculoskeletal signs and symptoms difficult. The intent of this course is not to train participants to make a medical diagnosis but rather to be able to recognize when physical therapy is indicated, contraindicated, and when a referral to other health care personnel is needed. Medical Screening and differential diagnosis are essential components in autonomous practice and is within the scope of the physical therapy profession. Possessing good clinical evaluative skills is a critical part of the process for effective differential diagnosis and subsequent management of the “treat versus refer” dilemma.
* This course was previously included in a larger 2-course Medical Screening series on MedBridge. If you have taken one of these two courses previously, the material has already been covered.

Meet your instructor

Michael Fink

Dr. Michael Fink is a former Air Force physical therapist that is dual board-certified in Orthopedics and Sports. He is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of PT at Lebanon Valley College, national lecturer, published researcher, and winner of numerous PT awards. Dr. Fink teaches differential diagnosis, manual…

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Chapters & learning objectives

General Musculoskeletal Concepts

1. General Musculoskeletal Concepts

Examine risk factors and causes of musculoskeletal injuries in skeletally immature individuals. Describe the Salter-Harris fracture classification system for all level of skeletal maturity. Compare and contrast the classic presentation of Osteoarthritis versus Rheumatoid Arthritis. Review upper quarter and lower quarter screening components with a focus on reflex equipment, testing procedures, and interpretation of findings.

Head

2. Head

Identify common musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal pathology in the Head region. Review common signs & symptoms of select pathologies within this system. Highlight select CPRs, risk factors, physical exam findings, and associated diagnostic accuracy statistics to aid in differential diagnosis. Identify situations that require a urgent medical referral.

Neck and Cervical Spine

3. Neck and Cervical Spine

Identify common musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal pathology in the Neck, and Cervical Spine region. Review common signs & symptoms of select pathologies within each system. Highlight select CPRs, risk factors, physical exam findings, and associated diagnostic accuracy statistics to aid in differential diagnosis. Identify situations that require a urgent medical referral.