MPAS 618 Orthopedics & Rheumatology
This course covers the anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system and the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, complications, and differential diagnoses of commonly encountered orthopedic diseases and disorders through symptoms-based and systems-based approaches. Emphasis is placed on interviewing and eliciting a medical history, performing a focused physical examination, and ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies to evaluate these diseases and disorders. Management of patients with these diseases and disorders across the life span from initial presentation through follow-up for acute, chronic, and emergent cases will be covered, as will referral when necessary, preventive medicine, and patient education. Associated medical documentation and clinical skills, as appropriate, will be taught. Topics include items such as approach to a patient with a musculoskeletal complaint, muscular dystrophies, fibromyalgia, radiculopathies, disorders of the spine, disorders of the upper extremity, disorders of the lower extremity, fractures, osteoporosis, common arthridites, focal nerve entrapments, crystal-induced arthridites, musculoskeletal infectious processes, sports physicals, sports injuries, and clearance for sports participation. Students will learn through an integrated curriculum to include computer-based, lecture-based, and collaborative instructional modalities that will include classroom, laboratory, simulation, group, community, and clinical experiences.