An In-depth Look at Orthopedics for Rehabilitation Nurses
Presented by Cheryl Lehman
Non-Financial: Cheryl Lehman has no competing non-financial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
Meet your instructor
Cheryl Lehman
Dr. Cheryl Lehman has been a registered nurse since graduating from the Decatur Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1978. Since that time, she earned a BSN from Maryville University-St. Louis in 1990; an MSN in Adult Health Nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston in the Clinical Nurse…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. The bones and Joints
This chapter reviews anatomy and physiology of the bones and joints. The function of various regions of the skeleton and joints will be reviewed. Key physical and diagnostic assessment techniques specific to the skeletal system and joints will be included.
2. Kyphosis and Scoliosis
Years of wheelchair use can result in alterations in posture related to bony changes such as kyphosis and scoliosis. While they may seem to be benign, kyphosis and scoliosis can limit pulmonary function, and lead to pneumonia and other pulmonary conditions. This chapter will review kyphosis and scoliosis, including anatomical changes, pathological implications, and preventive techniques. The role of the rehabilitation nurse in preparing patients for the future will be stressed.
3. Heterotopic Ossification
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a serious complication related to abnormal bone growth, often associated with traumatic injury such as spinal cord injury or brain trauma. It is also being found in patients with a blast-associated injury. The rehabilitation nurse should be familiar with HO, and be able to identify its signs and symptoms so that HO can be diagnosed early and promptly treated.
4. Bone Infection
Osteomyelitis, or bone infection, can occur as the result of multiple conditions, including fracture, orthopedic surgery, and pressure ulcers. It can become evident days to months after any of the precipitating events, and can quickly become a critical situation. It is not unusual for osteomyelitis to be diagnosed during the rehabilitation stage of treatment. This chapter will review the causes, signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis, as well as diagnostic tests and treatment. The role of the rehabilitation nurse in assessment, identification of signs and symptoms, and treatment will be included.
5. Joint Pain and Overuse Injuries
Pain in the joints can be complex in nature. This chapter reviews overuse injuries of the joints, an orthopedic condition commonly seen in patients who use wheelchairs for mobility. Overuse injuries related to wheelchair mobility are often seen in the wrists, elbows and shoulders. Risk factors, signs and symptoms, assessment parameters and diagnostics tests for joint pain will be reviewed in this chapter. Treatment will also be reviewed. The rehabilitation nurses’ role in prevention, patient education, and treatment of overuse injuries will be stressed.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Medbridge courses.
Who creates Medbridge courses?
We work with industry-leaders, top researchers, and consultants to build content roadmaps that are then structured into courses, filmed, and edited by our production team before being launched to our site.
How often does Medbridge release new courses?
New courses are added monthly and are automatically included in your subscription as they launch.
How often does Medbridge update courses?
Medbridge reviews its courses annually for relevance and to assess if content is up to date. Based on these reviews it may be determined that a course is out of date resulting in the course being re-filmed or retired, if the content is no longer needed (e.g. a replacement course already exists, the concepts are no longer best practice, etc.).
How many courses does Medbridge offer?
We have over 3,000 accredited courses and we are continually updating our library with new courses. Check our course library for the most up-to-date count for your discipline.
Are there any additional fees for taking a Medbridge course?
There are no additional fees for taking a Medbridge course, obtaining a course certificate of completion, earning CEUs as a subscriber, or accessing any of the additional tools your subscription may include.
Is there a limit to the number of courses I can take?
There is no limit to the number of courses you can take as a subscriber! As a subscriber to Medbridge, you have unlimited access to over 3,000+ accredited CE courses.
If you are a Premium subscriber, you also have unlimited access to our Patient Engagement Tools such as the Home Exercise Program, Patient Education Library, Orthopedic Exam Tests, and Manual Therapy Techniques. We have over 7,000 exercises and over 650+ videos and handouts of patient education resources with more exercises and patient education added to the library based on subscriber feedback, volume of request and specialities.
What is your refund policy?
You are eligible for a refund provided your request is received within 30 days of your subscription purchase and your account has no activity.