Orthopedic Science Lower Quarter/Laboratory

Catalog description

This course will focus on the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention strategies for the lower quarter, specifically the lumbar spine, hip, knee, and ankle. Additionally, the principles of lower quarter screening and gait analysis will be reviewed. Topics included are principles of clinical decision making, general principles of examination and treatment, specific history and physical examination techniques, screening examinations for the major body systems, screening examinations for the lower quarter, common pathologies in each of the lower quarter regions, and region-specific examination, evaluation, and intervention strategies. Evidence from the literature will be presented regarding classification systems and intervention strategies for lower quarter conditions. The student will be presented with basic outcome tools for the lower quarter regions. The lab sessions will provide the student with hands on experience in examination techniques, manual therapy techniques, and the design of patient home exercise programs. At the end of this course, students will be competent in evaluation and treatment principles of the lower quarter in preparation for an orthopedic clinical affiliation.