Role of the PTA/Emergent Conditions
Evidence-Based Research Sensitivity and Specificity Functional Assessments
Ligaments, Tendons, and Muscles...OH MY!
100

-Gather information and data,

-Build rapport and trust

-Assess constantly for response to interventions

-Educate the patient

-Report changes or issues to the PT

What is the role of the PTA/Supervisory Skills needed 

100

-PEDro

-PubMed

-APTA's Hooked on Evidence

Cochrane Database

What are resources for finding evidence-based research

100

These types of ligaments do NOT heal spontaneously

Intraarticular

200

The PTA asks the patient, 

"Tell me what makes your pain worse and what seems to alleviate it?"

What is an open-ended question.

200

A comprehensive review of the medical literature that uses explicit methods to systematically search, identify, appraise, and summarize all literature on a specific issue

What is a Systematic Review

200

Tearing of some of the ligament fibers with moderate laxity. Patient will need some time away from activity to heal.


Grade 2 sprain

300

-Swelling in the effected extremity

-Discoloration in the effected extremity

-Pain with gentle dorsiflexion

-Warmth of skin

-Positive Homan's sign

What are the signs and symptoms of a DVT

300

A special test with a high sensitivity rating is used and the patient tests negative. What can be assumed?

That patient does NOT have the disorder

300

-Joint Stiffness

-Shortening of the structures around the joint

-Adhesions form

-Muscles atrophy

Effects of Immobilization
400

A patient who recently underwent a knee replacement c/o SOB, coughing, chest pain, and has a rapid pulse and tachypnea

What is a pulmonary embolism

400

Hawkins-Kennedy test for subacromial impingement has a specificity rating of 100% and your patient tests positive. What can be assumed?

Your patient has subacromial impingement

400

-2 to 4 mm thick

-Dissipates compression, shear and tension forces

-Decreases friction in the joint

Cartilage

500

Bilateral swelling in the lower extremities, SOB and fatigue; especially in a patient with history of cardiac disease

What is Congestive Heart Failure

500

If the rating for a test's sensitivity and/or specificity is below 80%

It is considered unreliable

500

Fibrocartilage structure in the knee that can dissipate compression forces, absorb shock and help stabilize the joint

Meniscus

600

Your 72 y.o. patient with a history of PAD is walking on the treadmill and c/o cramping and pain in her calf muscles. Once she stops and rests, the pain goes away

What is intermittent claudication

600

Instruct the patient to “Reach as far as you can forward without taking a step.” The location of the 3rd metacarpal is recorded

Functional Reach Test

600

-Progress strengthening

-Functional Exercise

-Functional Assessment (i.e. Hop Tests)

Balls to the Wall!!

Chronic Stage

Minimum Protection Stage

Return to Function or Sport Phase