PTA-250: Extremity Orthopedics

School
Health and Human Services
Division
Health Careers
Department
Physical Therapy Assistant
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Physical Therapist Assistant
Course Number
250
Course Title
Extremity Orthopedics
Credit Hours
4.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
84.50 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
84.50 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
PTA-118, PTA-122, PTA-144, and PTA-225
Catalog Course Description

Presents the etiology, course, prognosis, medical intervention, and treatment of orthopedic conditions of the extremities. Includes physical therapy intervention. Guided lab setting.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. Pathology and Treatment Principles
  2. Tissue Healing
  3. Functional Assessment and Training
  4. Closed Kinetic Chain
  5. Gait
  6. Balance
  7. Shoulder Injuries and Treatment
  8. Elbow Injuries and Treatment
  9. Wrist/Hand Injuries and Treatment
  10. Palpation and Special Tests Upper Extremity (U/E)
  11. Hip Injuries and Treatment
  12. Knee Injuries and Treatment
  13. Ankle/Foot Injuries and Treatment
  14. Palpation and Special Tests Lower Extremity (L/E)
  15. Prevention of Injury
  16. Manual Therapy
  17. Orthotics and Prosthetics
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Describe the role of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in the management of musculoskeletal disorders.
  2. Describe the properties of tendon, muscle, bone, ligament, and meniscus, as well as injury and repair of these tissues and practical considerations for rehabilitation.
  3. Identify key clinical findings for various types of tissue lesions associated with orthopedic injuries of the extremities.
  4. Analyze the effects of immobilization and degeneration on orthopedic injuries of the extremities.
  5. Examine the biomechanics of all joints of the extremities and discuss its role in injury, treatment, and prevention of orthopedic injuries of the extremities.
  6. Describe normal and abnormal alignment and movement of peripheral joints or extremities at rest and during specific movement tasks.
  7. Compare and contrast hypo- and hypermobility of joints and identify the common treatments associated with each.
  8. Differentiate the clinical manifestations, etiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of various orthopedic injuries of the extremities.
  9. Identify various orthopedic congenital deformities of the extremities, the clinical manifestations, and management of these disorders.
  10. Describe the common surgical procedures performed on each joint of the extremities including management and special precautions related to each procedure.
  11. Describe the common evaluation procedures and special tests utilized by the physical therapist for patients with orthopedic injuries of the extremities and explain what the results of these tests indicate.
  12. Recommend appropriate assistive, adaptive, or protective equipment for the patient with an orthopedic injury of the extremity, based on architectural barriers.
  13. Assess physiological responses of patients with orthopedic injuries of the extremities during community/work/leisure activities, non-routine occurrences, and self-care and home management activities.
  14. Assess components of safe community and work environments for patients with orthopedic injuries of the extremities with the goal of injury prevention.
  15. Organize functional training programs for patients with an orthopedic injury of the extremity.
  16. Demonstrate proper positioning, handling, and transferring of patients with orthopedic injuries of the extremities.
  17. Instruct a patient with an orthopedic injury of the extremity in therapeutic exercise and functional activities for self-care, home management, community and work reintegration.
  18. Recognize the effects of various terrains and differing environments on gait, locomotion, and balance of the patient with an orthopedic injury of the lower extremity.
  19. Develop a treatment plan, within the PT plan of care, for various types of orthopedic injuries of the extremities progressing from first day of treatment through discharge including a home exercise program.
  20. Provide functional training in self-care, home management, community, or work for patients with an extremity orthosis or prosthesis.
  21. Demonstrate safe and proper technique for mobilization of selected soft tissues and non-thrust mobilization for selected peripheral joints.
  22. Describe components of an extremity orthotic and prosthetic device and identify skin condition and safety while using the device.
  23. Recommend, apply, and instruct patients in the use of orthotic or prosthetic devices and apparel correctly and safely and identify the ability of the patient to manage the orthotic or prosthetic device.
  24. Provide functional training in self-care, home management, community, or work for patients with an extremity orthosis or prosthesis.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

The assessment standards will consist of written exams, quizzes, case studies, cumulative final written exam, and final lab practical.

General Course Requirements and Recommendations
Students must pass this course with a “C” or better to remain in the PTA Program. They must pass at least one of the written exams, with at least an 80%. For each written exam the student does not pass, he/she will also be required to complete a written review of the exam to be submitted to the instructor prior to taking the final exam. Students must demonstrate competence in the lab practical according to the PTA Program Student Handbook, in order to pass this course. Failure to complete these standards will result in required remediation or dismissal from the PTA Program. Instructors (or their designees) reserve the right to require students to provide picture identification for test taking, graded papers or projects or other appropriate purposes.
Texts
to be determined by the program faculty.

Outcomes

Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Effective Term
Winter 2022