2023: Primary Care Orthopaedics

Course Overview

It has been estimated that one-third of symptoms reported to primary care providers are musculoskeletal in nature. The vast majority of musculoskeletal disease is evaluated by a primary care, urgent care, or occupational health provider before patients are ever seen by a specialist. The goal of this course is to address the outpatient care of common musculoskeletal problems by primary care providers. The diagnosis and non-surgical management of musculoskeletal disorders will be covered in lectures, case discussions, and video demonstrations of examination and injection techniques. In addition, optional workshops in splinting and casting and interpretation of radiological studies will be available to participants.

Course Audience

Any health provider in the U.S. or abroad that provides first-line care of musculoskeletal problems, including: primary care physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, internal medicine doctors, family practitioners, occupational medical specialists, physiatrists, providers that work in emergency or urgent care settings, lifestyle and mind-body specialists, orthopedic specialists, pain specialists, pediatricians, physical medicine & rehabilitation providers, preventative specialists and geriatrics specialists.

Learning Objectives

During this course, Primary Care Orthopaedics faculty will:

• Discuss the relationship between the anatomy and injury of specific anatomical areas
• Describe initial management of many orthopedic problems, both acute and chronic
• Identify strategies to diagnose injuries to the musculoskeletal system, including appropriate ordering of imaging studies, careful physical exam skills, and interpretation of findings

Upon completion of this course, participants will better be able to:

• Conduct and interpret musculoskeletal physical examinations
• Recognize the most common musculoskeletal ailments in their patient population
• Practice appropriate patient counseling post-diagnosis, including care escalation and/or specialist referral