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Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Imaging

Advance your clinical reasoning skills and knowledge related to appropriate imaging modalities recommended for your patients with musculoskeletal pathologies.

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About this Certificate Program

Patients presenting in the clinic have a wide and varied range of musculoskeletal pathologies. Knowing which, if any, imaging modality is recommended for your patient can be confusing and challenging. This program is designed to provide an overview of the current best evidence regarding musculoskeletal imaging for the medical professional who manages common musculoskeletal conditions. This four-course program will focus on (1) the differences of basic imaging modalities used in musculoskeletal medicine, (2) appropriate imaging for upper extremity musculoskeletal pathologies, (3) appropriate imaging for lower extremity musculoskeletal pathologies, (4) appropriate imaging for cervical, thoracic, and lumbopelvic musculoskeletal pathologies. This course is designed to aid the clinician in the decision-making process for appropriate imaging, based on current best evidence and appropriateness criteria.

Target Audience

The certificate is applicable to healthcare providers.

Goals & Objectives

  • Recognize the differences in the basic imaging modalities available, and their role in evaluating musculoskeletal pathology.
  • Identify the most appropriate imaging modality for your patient with musculoskeletal pathology.
  • Clarify which modality and radiologic view is correct for your patients based on appropriateness criteria and published research.
  • Translate your imaging knowledge appropriately for patients with spine, upper extremity, and lower extremity pathology.

What's Included in the Certificate Program

Courses
Accredited Online Courses*

9 hours of online video lectures and patient demonstrations.

Courses
Interactive Learning Assessments

Case-based quizzes to evaluate and improve clinical reasoning.

Patient Education
HEP and Patient Education

HEP and patient education resources to use with your patients.

Section 1: Radiology and Imaging

4 Chapters

Basic Musculoskeletal Radiology and Imagingkeyboard_arrow_down

Course
  • FundamentalsChapter 1

    Understand the fundamentals behind musculoskeletal radiology and imaging, including how X-Rays images are produced and the importance of proper anatomical knowledge in interpreting imaging. Fractures are examined – understand the different morphologies, language, and signs to identify fractures. Identify the various skeletal deformities that can be identified through radiology and imaging. Review other methods of imaging, such as fluoroscopy, bone scan, ultrasound, CT, MRI.

  • SpineChapter 2

    Learn about radiology and imaging in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spines. Normal anatomy, trauma, and degenerative changes will be covered for each spinal region, as well as rules regarding when to order films. Low back pain, spinal infections, spinal neoplasms, ankylosing spondylitis, and osteoporosis are highlighted.

  • Lower ExtremityChapter 3

    Clinical radiology for the lower extremity is covered, including sections on the hip and pelvis, knee, as well as foot and ankle. Various imaging views of these regions and typical findings from each view will be presented, as well as information related to common disorders. Rules for when to order films for these body parts will be discussed.

  • Upper ExtremityChapter 4

    The upper extremity is highlighted in this chapter – including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. Review the typical views that are used to capture images of these particular regions, and which landmarks to note when reviewing these films.

  • View full course details »

Indications for Musculoskeletal Imagingkeyboard_arrow_down

Course

Imaging for Upper Quarter Sports Injurieskeyboard_arrow_down

Course
  • Cervical SpineChapter 1

    The participants will be able to apply the Canadian C-Spine Rule to athletes with a neck injury. The chapter will also be able to identify what is normal and abnormal in structures of the cervical spine, including the George line, the cervical gravity line, prevertebral soft tissue, fractures of the spine, and degenerative changes, as they apply to sports injuries.

  • ElbowChapter 2

    In this chapter, Bob Boyles will discuss the elbow extension test for acute fracture screening, as well as identify what is normal and abnormal in elbow dislocations and ossification. The chapter also describes imaging for fractures of the forearm and pediatric injuries, including dislocation of the radial head, little league elbow, UCL injuries and nerve entrapment.

  • HeadChapter 3

    Neuroimaging, CT scans and MRI imaging play significant roles in identifying and characterizing head injuries. In this chapter, the learner will be able to compare and contrast the appropriateness of the different types of imaging for the head, following the American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria. The chapter discusses the New Orleans Criteria, Canadian CT Head Rules, and the ACR Guidelines for Orbital Trauma.

  • ShoulderChapter 4

    Shoulder injuries are common in many athletes, all of which use plain films for the initial investigation. In this chapter, the participant will be able to describe the three film views, as identified by the shoulder trauma protocols, as well as reasoning for further investigation using CT or MRI scans. Imaging surrounding fractures, labral injuries and dislocations are covered in this chapter.

  • Hand and WristChapter 5

    Bob Boyles will discuss the five views of imaging for the hand and wrist and how to determine the appropriateness of each view. The learner will compare normal and abnormal imaging for a fractures and ligament injuries in the hand and wrist.

  • View full course details »

Imaging for Lower Quarter Sports Injurieskeyboard_arrow_down

Course
  • Ankle and FootChapter 1

    This chapter covers the Ottowa Ankle and Foot rules to determine if a fracture is present, specifically the sensitivity and specificity of the tests. Bob Boyles then discusses fracture classification using the Danis-Weber and the Lague-Hansen Classification systems. Participants will learn to apply the various rules and classification systems to injuries to determine the nature of the injury and appropriateness of imaging.

  • Hip and PelvisChapter 2

    Imaging of the hip and pelvis can easily identify immature skeletal structures, and fractures, which can further cause hematomas, and possible urethral and bladder injuries. This chapter will describe the use of imaging in pelvic fractures, pelvic stress fractures, and osteitis pubis. The participant will be able to discuss methods for identifying high yield areas for hip trauma, such as hip dislocations, widening of joint space, femoral neck or intertrochanteric fractures, and pelvis or acetabular fractures. The chapter concludes with the discussion of a case study.

  • KneeChapter 3

    The knee can be imaged using both plain films and MRI scans. The MRI scan is used for identifying ligament, cartilage, and tendon injuries. In this chapter, the participant will learn to apply the Pittsburgh Knee Rule and Ottawa Knee Rule. Several diagnoses are covered, including loose bodies, fractures, ligamentous injuries and cartilage injuries.

  • View full course details »
Instructors
Robert Boyles

PT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT

CEU Approved

9 total hours* of accredited coursework.
MedBridge accredits each course individually so you can earn CEUs as you progress.

      Our clinic could not be happier with MedBridge.

Amy Lee, MPT, OCS
Physical Therapy Central

       MedBridge has allowed us to create a culture of learning that we were previously unable to attain with traditional coursework.

Zach Steele, PT, DPT, OCS
Outpatient Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Services

    MedBridge has created a cost-effective and quality platform that is the future of online education.

Grant R. Koster, PT, ATC, FACHE
Vice President of Clinical Operations, Athletico Physical Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get CEU credit?
Each course is individually accredited. Please check each course for your state and discipline. You can receive CEU credit after each course is completed.

When do I get my certificate?
You will receive accredited certificates of completion for each course as you complete them. Once you have completed the entire Certificate Program you will receive your certificate for the program.

*Accreditation Hours
Each course is individually accredited and exact hours will vary by state and discipline. Check each course for specific accreditation for your license.

Do I have to complete the courses in order?
It is not required that you complete the courses in order. Each Certificate Program's content is built to be completed sequentially but it is not forced to be completed this way.

How long do I have access to the Certificate Program?
You will have access to this Certificate Program for as long as you are a subscriber. Your initial subscription will last for one year from the date you purchase.

Sample Certificate

Sample Certificate

Complete this series to receive your certificate.

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Certificate Program
Earn an official certificate of completion from MedBridge.
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  • Show patient and clients your commitment to education

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