Orthopedic Mentorship Series: Foot and Ankle

Presented by Jared Vagy

Orthopedic Mentorship Series: Foot and Ankle
This clinical mentorship course provides a deep dive into the evidence-based management of common foot and ankle pathologies through the lens of patient cases. Healthcare providers will explore systematic strategies for gathering detailed patient histories and performing objective examinations to pinpoint physical impairments such as chronic ankle instability and mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. The curriculum integrates the latest Clinical Practice Guidelines to help clinicians synthesize subjective and objective data into effective intervention plans. By observing real-world clinical decision-making, participants will learn to identify subtle mobility deficits in the cuboid and fibula, perform neurodynamic testing for the plantar nerves, and implement progressive loading programs for tendon health. The course emphasizes movement coordination and neuromuscular retraining to restore functional stability and support long-term participation in daily and athletic activities.

Learning Outcomes
  • Identify strategies for gathering a detailed patient history during a subjective examination to support clinical reasoning
  • Recognize effective objective exam techniques and measures used to identify physical impairments and functional limitations
  • Outline treatment strategies observed during interventions that aim to increase patient participation in daily activities
  • Infer methods for synthesizing subjective, objective, and intervention data to support clinical decision-making
  • Match evidence-based research findings to specific patient cases observed in clinical practice

Meet your instructor

A smiling man with short dark hair and a beard wears a light blue shirt, shown on a plain gray background for medbridge.

Jared Vagy

Jared Vagy received his doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) from the University of Southern California (USC) and completed a one-year residency in orthopedics and a one-year fellowship in movement science. Dr. Vagy is a clinical associate professor of physical therapy in the DPT program at USC and is a mentor in both the…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Introduction

1. Introduction

Clinicians will establish a robust framework for orthopedic mentorship by identifying strategies to streamline the subjective and objective examination process. This chapter highlights the importance of linking evidence-based research to clinical findings to support more accurate hypothesis development.

Case #1: Katie

2. Case #1: Katie

This chapter examines the case of a 34-year-old with anterolateral ankle pain to demonstrate the clinical synthesis of joint hypomobility and hypermobility. Participants will learn how to address lateral column deficits and implement peroneal and gluteal strengthening to restore dynamic stability.

Case #2: Carlos

3. Case #2: Carlos

Through the assessment of mid-portion Achilles pain, learners will explore differential diagnosis techniques, including neurodynamic tension testing and the Royal London Hospital Test. This section details the application of mechanical loading principles and activity modification to manage tendon pathology effectively.

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