Primary Care Orthopaedics

2024 Course Overview

Information for the 2025 course is not yet available.

It has been estimated that one-third of symptoms reported to primary care providers are musculoskeletal in nature. The vast majority of musculoskeletal disease is evaluated by a primary care, urgent care, or occupational health provider before patients are ever seen by a specialist. The goal of this course is to address the outpatient care of common musculoskeletal problems by primary care providers. The diagnosis and non-surgical management of musculoskeletal disorders will be covered in lectures, case discussions, and video demonstrations of examination and injection techniques. In addition, optional workshops in splinting and casting and interpretation of radiological studies will be available to participants. The course is hosted by the Massachusetts General Hospital Orthopaedic specialists. The course learner objectives are to: 

• Discuss the relationship between the anatomy and injury of specific anatomical areas.
• Describe initial management of many orthopedic problems, both acute and chronic.
• Be more familiar with how to conduct and interpret musculoskeletal physical examinations.

Any health provider that provides first line care of musculoskeletal problems including internal medicine doctors, family practitioners, nurse practitioners, occupational medical specialists, physiatrists, and providers that work in emergency or urgent care settings. This course would be useful to this subset of health providers worldwide as well. 

Who Should Attend

• Primary Care Physicians
• Physician Assistants
• Nurses
• Nurse Practitioners
• Other

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the most common musculoskeletal ailments in their patient population.
• Identify strategies to diagnose injuries to the musculoskeletal system. These strategies will include appropriate ordering of imaging studies, careful physical exam skills, and interpretation of findings. 
• Practice appropriate patient counseling post diagnosis including escalating care or referral to a specialist.