Regional Review of Musculoskeletal Systems: Lumbar
Spine, Abdomen, and Pelvis

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 case-based format, this course will offer a comprehensive look at common musculoskeletal pathologies concerning the lumbar spine, abdomen, and pelvis. 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

Low Back and Lumbar Spine

1. Low Back and Lumbar Spine

Identify common musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal pathology in the low back and Lumbar spine regions. Review common signs & symptoms of select pathologies within each region. Highlight select CPRs, risk factors, interview questions, and associated diagnostic accuracy statistics to aid in differentially diagnosing. Identify situations that require a urgent medical referral.

Sacroiliac, Sacrum, and Coccyx

2. Sacroiliac, Sacrum, and Coccyx

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

Abdomen and Pelvis

3. Abdomen and Pelvis

Identify common musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal pathology in the Abdominal and Pelvic regions. Review common signs & symptoms of select pathologies within each region. Highlight select risk factors, interview questions, and physical exam findings to aid in differentially diagnosing. Identify situations that require a urgent medical referral.

Other Systems

4. Other Systems

Identify additional common non-musculoskeletal pathologies that can mimic musculoskeletal conditions in the above regions. Review common signs & symptoms of select systemic pathologies within each region. Identify situations that require a urgent medical referral.