CME expires October 31, 2027

Improve patient care and advance your clinical skills in orthopaedics.

The Orthopaedic Care for Physician Assistants: Hip and Thigh Series provides a detailed and thorough guide for physician assistants and allied health professionals specializing in orthopaedic care. The Hip and Thigh Series explores complex anatomy, common injuries, and advanced treatment options associated with the hip and thigh. The material systematically covers various conditions, from acute traumatic injuries, such as fractures and dislocations, to chronic illnesses, such as osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. The course also reviews soft-tissue disorders, including bursitis and snapping hip syndrome, which are prevalent in clinical practice.

A key focus of the Hip and Thigh Series is accurate diagnosis via a combination of the patient history, physical examination, and advanced imaging studies. The course emphasizes the importance of determining the origin of hip and thigh pain, which may stem from the hip joint, the surrounding soft tissues, or the pelvic bones or may be referred from the lumbar spine. Detailed imaging studies, including AP radiographs and MRIs, are provided to aid in identification of fractures, degenerative changes, and other pathology.

The course explores musculoskeletal conditioning, highlighting the phases of stretching, strengthening, and proprioception exercises essential for rehabilitation. Home exercise programs are meticulously outlined, with step-by-step instructions provided to enhance patient recovery and prevent future injury. In addition, the Hip and Thigh Series discusses the intricacies associated with the surgical management of severe injuries, ensuring physician assistants and allied health professionals are well-versed in the latest techniques for effective patient treatment.

Complications associated with hip and thigh conditions, such as osteonecrosis, posttraumatic arthritis, and nerve injuries, are reviewed. This course underscores the importance of timely and accurate management to mitigate these adverse outcomes. In addition, practical guidance on rehabilitation protocols, patient referral, and the treatment of complex cases is provided to optimize patient care and outcomes.

Editor   
Nathan Kaplan, MD, FAAOS 

Learning Objectives

• Evaluate and optimize patient outcomes by employing best practices for postoperative management and rehabilitation, ensuring patients regain optimal function and mobility.
• Identify and manage complications associated with hip and thigh injuries, including osteonecrosis, posttraumatic arthritis, and nerve injury.
• Differentiate between and explain the clinical presentation of various types of hip and thigh injuries, including fractures, dislocations, and soft-tissue conditions.
• Explain the diagnosis of hip and thigh injuries, which includes a thorough physical examination and appropriate imaging studies, such as MRIs, CT scans, and radiographs.
• Describe the phases of musculoskeletal hip conditioning, emphasizing stretching, strengthening, and proprioceptive exercises, and outline appropriate home exercise programs.
• Apply knowledge of hip anatomy and biomechanics to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve the effectiveness of treatment strategies for hip and thigh pathology.
• Develop comprehensive treatment plans for common hip and thigh injuries, incorporating surgical and nonsurgical management based on injury type and severity.

Earn up to 20 AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits™.