Hands are injured every day—by slammed doors, kitchen knives, sports collisions, workplace machinery, and seemingly minor falls. In this session, learners will develop a systematic approach to the hand exam that prioritizes precision and early recognition of high-risk injuries. Emphasis will be placed on identifying tendon, ligament, and fracture patterns that are commonly missed in primary care settings. Participants will learn how subtle exam findings can dramatically alter management and referral urgency. Practical guidance will be provided on splinting, initial treatment, and patient counseling. Through case-based discussion and partner practice, attendees will gain confidence in evaluating hand injuries accurately and efficiently. The goal is simple: prevent missed diagnoses that lead to permanent dysfunction.

“My arm hurts” can mean so many different things. This session will focus on the key points of taking a history and high-yield physical exam components that will enable you to make the diagnosis with confidence. This combined session helps clinicians distinguish between musculoskeletal pathology and peripheral compressive neuropathies. Attendees will learn how to evaluate lateral and medial epicondylitis, radial head injuries, rotator cuff pathology, and shoulder instability without relying on excessive imaging. There have been major updates regarding diagnosing common nerve conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The session emphasizes efficient exam techniques that localize pathology quickly. Management strategies appropriate for primary care—including bracing, activity modification, and physical therapy referral—will be discussed. The result is clearer clinical decision-making and more appropriate referrals.

Lower extremity pain is a frequent challenge in primary care and often reflects a complex interplay of injury, overuse, gait abnormalities, and degenerative joint disease. This session provides a structured approach to evaluating hip and knee pain through focused anatomy review, gait assessment, and targeted physical examination. The session introduces the concept of an “Arthritis Toolbox”—a practical framework for non-surgical management that clinicians can apply before considering referral. Emphasis will be placed on selecting appropriate initial interventions based on exam findings, symptom patterns, and functional limitations. Case-based discussion and hands-on exam practice will reinforce clinical reasoning and treatment sequencing. Learners will leave with greater confidence managing lower extremity pain and knowing when escalation of care is appropriate.

Let your hands narrow your differential during this upper extremity hands-on session. We will review standard musculoskeletal exam techniques and analyze current evidence to determine the best approach for assessing various orthopedic conditions from shoulder to digits. You will improve your ability to narrow orthopaedic differentials through interactive demonstrations and facilitated practice, effectively guiding your management options for common upper extremity conditions.

Recognizing and assessing musculoskeletal conditions during well-child visits is essential for healthy development. Growing children change rapidly, and routine wellness visits provide an ideal opportunity to monitor growth and screen for underlying conditions. This session will focus on pediatric orthopaedics, highlighting common developmental concerns and conditions from infancy through adolescence. Through a case-based approach and review of guidelines, we will explore effective assessment techniques at each stage of childhood. Attendees will gain practical insights into identifying early signs of musculoskeletal abnormalities, knowing when to refer to a specialist, and providing supportive care for growing children.

Musculoskeletal red flags may be subtle, but early recognition is often critical. This session will highlight the most common musculoskeletal emergencies, exploring key indicators that warrant immediate attention and intervention. Participants will learn to identify signs of infections, differentiate a new limp, assess acute neurological deficits, and evaluate other urgent conditions that can significantly impact patient outcomes. Through case studies and providing essential pearls, this session will equip you with the knowledge to avoid common pitfalls and ensure timely referrals.

This course focuses on an all-too-common problem, low back pain. A short introduction to the anatomy will take us into commonly seen complaints in urgent care and PCP offices. Next, we will review and understand red flags and pathological reflexes that would alert the clinician for a prompt referral. A brief review of the treatment options will also be discussed. Video clips, X-ray, MRI, and CT imaging will help demonstrate pathology. This presentation will help remove some of the fear and uncertainty of low back pain.

This course provides a comprehensive review of each joint’s anatomy and explores various provocative testing techniques used for the assessment of these presentations. It starts with a detailed overview of the anatomy of the knee, hip, and shoulder joints, highlighting their key structures and common issues. Following this, the speaker demonstrates and discusses several provocative tests that are crucial for diagnosing joint-related problems. This session includes video demonstrations to illustrate the correct application of these tests and facilitate a deeper understanding through interactive discussions. By the end of this session, you will be equipped with valuable skills to assess joint pain and injuries effectively.

This session is a “smorgasbord” of radiologic case studies. Numerous cases from a local emergency department are presented, covering common and not-so-common osseous diagnosis and treatment options. Topics also include commonly diagnosed fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue abnormalities diagnosed with plain radiographs.

Do you find yourself worried about ordering the correct images or the right test? Do you have trouble interpreting the x-ray/ MRI/ CT images you ordered? Don’t rely completely on the radiologist’s interpretation. This presentation examines the basics of Musculoskeletal Imaging, and discusses indications for ordering appropriate images, when to order X-ray vs CT vs MRI, and how to interpret those images for associated fractures or sprains. The majority of Orthopaedic related injuries require some form of diagnostic imaging. This course will increase your confidence in interpreting radiology studies and finally find out just what you are looking at.

Let’s start with lower extremity injuries. This session starts at the foot, works upwards through the ankle, knee and hip, and finishes at the lumbar spine. Maybe your patient is an avid runner with knee pain, an elderly patient with hip pain, or someone that took an awkward step at the bottom of the stairs resulting in ankle pain. We’ll cover the most seen injuries involving these lower extremity joints, discuss physical exam findings with corresponding radiology results and review appropriate management strategies. This course provides a breakdown of treatment options including non-operative treatment (i.e. medications, injections, physical therapy) and indications for surgical treatment. After this course, you can reassure your patients: It’s going TIBIA OK!

The hallmark of the musculoskeletal assessment: knowing your anatomical landmarks and using special tests to narrow down your differential diagnosis. It’s nearly impossible to know every special test mentioned in text. During this course, the speaker walks you through his Orthopaedic physical examination, and breaks down some key physical exam findings that will help you determine when further advanced imaging may be warranted. Is it neck or shoulder pain? Is it back or hip pain? This course provides you with tips and pearls to streamline your musculoskeletal assessment and be confident in your diagnosis. This Orthopaedic physical exam session will help you perfect your musculoskeletal assessment.