A Concise Guide to Lower Extremity Differential Diagnosis, Pathologies, and Special Tests

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About the Course
With the introduction of direct access, privately-owned PT clinics, and telehealth, physical therapists play an important role in screening and referral of patients to the appropriate medical providers. The focus of this course is to differentiate between exclusive musculoskeletal origin or pain secondary to other systemic causes and to identify any red flags. An in-depth look at lower extremity differential diagnosis is covered to enable therapists to become knowledgeable about referral criteria to the physician, perform special tests, and be updated with the latest clinical practice guidelines of the hip, knee, and ankle-foot joints. This aids in providing effective timely treatment to the patient, identifying red flags, and thus, saving time and resources.

Learning Objectives 
  • Identify red and yellow flags related to hip pain.
  • Identify MSK differential diagnosis of hip pain.
  • Identify orthopedic special tests of hip pain.
  • Identify differential diagnosis of MSK knee pain.
  • Identify systemic differential diagnosis of knee pain.
  • Identify MSK differential diagnosis of knee pain.
  • Identify MSK differential diagnosis of ankle pain.
  • Identify systemic differential diagnosis of ankle pain.
About the Author
Dr. Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, has an extensive physical therapy career that spans over 20 years, through the UK, the USA and the Middle East. She has worked in NHS (National Health Service), American health care providing PT services in acute care, in-patient rehab, skilled nursing facility, home healthcare and outpatient clinic. In addition to being a clinician she has developed specialty programs based on evidence-based practice in her role as a project manager. She has also managed a Physical Therapy department as Department Head in premier private hospital in Oman.

Rina graduated from Manipal University, India in 2000 as well as University of Michigan, in 2018 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has also been an educator with Summit Professional Education conducting live seminars. Rina is a member of the APTA, HCPC-UK and OAP-Oman.

How to Receive Credit
  • Read the entire course online or in print.
  • Answer the final examination questions at the end of the course. A passing grade of 70% is required. Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
  • Provide required personal information and payment information.
  • Complete the mandatory course evaluation.
  • Print your Certificate of Completion.
Resolution of Conflict of Interest
Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

©2022: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.