School for Health, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
FH50130 Upper and lower limbs |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Masters |
| Modular: no specific semester |
| Assessment: OT100 |
| Requisites: |
|
Aims: This aim of this unit focuses is to provide a clinical overview of common conditions of the upper and lower limbs including examination and investigation of patients presenting with symptoms.
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding After taking this unit the student should be able to: * Describe the relevant functional anatomy of the upper and lower limb * Identify the pathophysiology of common upper and lower limb disorders * Formulate a working approach to the documentation, clinical assessment, investigation and management of patients presenting with symptoms affecting the upper and lower limb in a primary care setting * Distinguish common from uncommon causes of symptoms affecting the upper and lower limb and those cases that need investigation and further referral * Identify potential 'red flag' cases and how to investigate further * Critically appraise the range of multidisciplinary interventions and management options for patients with upper and lower limb pain and dysfunction These learning outcomes will be taught and assessed. Skills: On completion of this unit students should be able to: * Take an adequate history and perform examination for patients with possible musculoskeletal disorders affecting upper and lower limb * Critically appraise the range of multidisciplinary interventions and management options for patients with upper and lower limb pain and dysfunction * Identify the correct anatomical sites for corticosteroid injection of the upper and lower limb * Identify and form a management plan for lower limb complaints in children * Chose appropriate radiological and laboratory investigations for a patient with an upper and lower limb condition in a primary care setting * Provide appropriate referral for radiological investigations including US, MRI, CT * plan and manage their learning through reflecting on and analysing their own learning needs. * integrate and critically evaluate information gathered from a wide range of resources including the unit resources, text books, journal articles, web pages and other online resources. An appreciation for a hierarchy of evidence should be displayed. * demonstrate effective communication with patients, colleagues and tutors including through asynchronous online discussions. These learning outcomes will be facilitated and some may be assessed. Content: This unit focuses on common conditions of the upper and lower limbs including history taking, examination and investigation of patients presenting with symptoms affecting the upper or lower limbs. Differential diagnosis, red flags, and evidence-based management plans are outlined, including the use of joint and soft tissue injections and physiotherapy. * Structure and function of the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand outlining an appropriate examination approach in primary care * Specific shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand problems frequently encountered in general practice * General work or sports-related problems of the upper limb and overuse syndromes, e.g. work-related upper limb disorders * Joint and soft tissue injection techniques * Clinical assessment and investigation of upper and lower limb problems in primary care including discussion of 'office based' investigation such as "near patient testing" of blood samples and the possible diagnostic use of ultrasound imaging * Common hip conditions, e.g. osteoarthritis, groin pain and trochanteric bursitis, disorders of the knee and ankle and management of heel and foot pain * Range of normality and common conditions in young babies and children, e.g. congenital hip dislocation. Testing and differentiating between click and chunks, non-accidental injury and common causes of limp in older children * Conditions affecting people in their teens and early twenties, mostly activity-related e.g. chondromalacia patellae, Osgood Schlatter disease and osteochrondritis dissecans. Common sport and activity related problems in adults. |