Catalog 2018-2019 
    
    Mar 19, 2024  
Catalog 2018-2019 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

PTA 146 Orthopedics II

7 credits


This course covers the application of concepts and skills from Orthopedics I to musculoskeletal conditions of the upper extremity, spine, and lower extremity.

Prerequisites: PTA 126 , PTA 135 , PTA 145 , and PTA 155  

Students must meet with a faculty adviser prior to registration.

Corequisites: PTA 136  and PTA 156  

Quarters Offered: Spring

Student Outcomes/Competencies:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  • Describe common soft tissue injuries, fractures, and diseases of the foot and ankle, knee, hip, spine, pelvis, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand
  • Identify and integrate appropriate evidence-based resources to support clinical decision-making for progression of the patient within the plan of care established by the PT
  • Describe clinically relevant physical therapy interventions used during periods of
    • muscle injury, repair, and immobilization
    • tendon and ligament healing
    • bone and cartilage healing
  • Implement selected components of interventions for patients with musculoskeletal disorders as identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist including:
    • Body mechanics and postural training
    • Biofeedback
    • Manual therapy techniques - soft tissue mobilization
    • Mechanical modalities
    • Therapeutic exercise
    • Coordination and agility training
    • Flexibility exercises
    • Strength, power, and endurance training
  • Perform components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care established by the physical therapist including:
    • Interview patients/clients, caregivers and family to obtain current information related to prior and current level of function and general health status
    • Posture and body mechanics
    • Location and intensity of pain
    • Joint integrity and mobility
    • Range of motion
    • Muscle performance
  • When providing interventions and associated data collection techniques:
    • Display professional behaviors consistent with the expectations of the physical therapy profession
    • Protect patient modesty, privacy, and dignity
    • Apply current physical therapy knowledge, theory and clinical judgement
    • Consider the patient/client perspective and treatment environment
    • Provide clear instructions, apply principles of learning, and use a variety of teaching strategies when educating patients, caregivers, and other members of the health care team as directed by the supervising physical therapist
    • Explain the rationale for selected interventions to achieve patient goals as identified in the plan of care
    • Review health records prior to carrying out the plan of care.
    • Monitor and adjust interventions within the plan of care in response to patient/client status and clinical indications
    • Report any changes in patient status or progress to the supervising physical therapist
    • Identify indications, contraindications, precautions and safety considerations for the patient and determine if the treatment intervention is appropriate
    • Determine when a directed intervention is either beyond the scope of work or personal scope of work of a physical therapist assistant
    • Identify relevant information to communicate to the physical therapist for the discharge planning process
    • Recognize activities, positioning and posture that aggravate or relieve pain
    • Complete documentation which is accurate, legible and follows appropriate guidelines and format regulations
    • Prepare and maintain a safe working environment
    • Handle patients using safe techniques and appropriate body mechanics
    • Select relevant information for documentation and billing purposes  
    • As appropriate to the PTA, maintain and use physical therapy equipment safely and effectively
    • Provide patient centered care


Total Hours: 110 Lecture Hours: 30 Lab or Clinical Hours: 80