Evidence-based Concepts of Musculoskeletal Imaging in Physical Therapy Practice

Course Dates:

Saturday February 1st
12:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Sunday February 2nd
12:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Course Cost (+HST):

$160 (CAMPT Member)
$175 (OD Member)
$200 (Non-Member)

Course Description:

Many patients with orthopedic disorders have had some form of diagnostic imaging, yet they routinely have limited knowledge of how their diagnostic imaging results relate to their current problem.  What should physical therapists know about diagnostic imaging (i.e., plain film radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scans, diagnostic ultrasound, and computed tomography) to facilitate appropriate patient education and management, as well direct radiologist referral to maximize outcomes?  This exciting interactive course will provide physical therapists with a thorough understanding of diagnostic imaging principles that can be immediately integrated into their clinical practice.  The course will begin with a discussion of the importance of a thorough knowledge of diagnostic imaging in rehabilitation. The basic principles of the various imaging modalities will be reviewed with an emphasis on clinical application. The indications and diagnostic utility for different imaging procedures for the spine and extremities will be described.  Through the use of patient case examples, the evidence for the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging will be provided, as well as how to place imaged pathology into the appropriate clinical context to assist with the evidence-based evaluation and management of the patient.  The major thrust of the course will be on musculoskeletal imaging with an emphasis on normal radiographic anatomy and systematic analysis of the pathological consequences of trauma and disease.  An emphasis of this course will also be on clinical decision-making principles in an outpatient, direct access physical therapy setting to facilitate direct radiology referral.  However, the principles presented will be applicable to any clinical setting.

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Provide the evidence to support the acquisition of diagnostic imaging, including an explanation of radiographic clinical decision rules for orthopedic pathology related to the spine and extremities.

2. Describe the diagnostic utility and common orthopedic pathologies seen on different diagnostic imaging modalities.

3. Describe a systematic approach to the analysis of plain film radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scans, and computed tomography.

4. Place diagnostic imaging results into an evidence-based approach for the evaluation and management of patients with orthopedic disorders related to the spine and extremities.

5. Effectively educate patients and clients regarding their diagnostic imaging results.
   
   
6. Appropriately communicate with other medical professionals using the language of diagnostic imaging.

Registration Deadline: Saturday, January 11th, 2025

Pre-readings to be released 1 week prior to start of course.

Instructor Bio: Michael Ross, PT, DHSc 

Michael D. Ross, PT, DHSc is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Daemen College in Amherst NY.  He is a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists.  Prior to his appointment at Daemen College, Dr. Ross served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years where he was credentialed as a direct access provider with diagnostic imaging, medical laboratory, specialty physician referral, and pharmacological privileges.  He completed his Bachelor's of Science in Physical Therapy from Daemen College, his Doctorate of Health Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis, and a Fellowship in Orthopedic Manual Therapy and Musculoskeletal Primary Care from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Vallejo, CA.  He has made numerous scientific presentations and has lectured extensively at the entry-level, graduate, and postgraduate levels on diagnostic imaging, medical screening, and differential diagnosis in physical therapist practice.  Dr. Ross maintains an active community-based practice focusing on patients with chronic pain disorders and has published over 200 manuscripts and abstracts related to physical therapist practice.  He served as the Editor for the Musculoskeletal Imaging feature of the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy from 2008 to 2016 and is a manuscript reviewer for several medical and rehabilitation journals.