Ambulatory Orthopaedics

Musculoskeletal conditions account for a majority of conditions seen in everyday medical practice. After the common cold, musculoskeletal conditions are perhaps the most common condition seen at a primary care physician’s office. This elective is designed for the fourth year medical student who may not be interested in pursuing orthopaedic surgery as a career, but is interested in obtaining a good understanding of musculoskeletal conditions. The student will spend time in an orthopaedic clinic setting accompanying orthopaedic surgeons. The student will initially observe and subsequently participate in physical examination of patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Students will be part of the discussion of treatment options with patients, and will observe the process of decision making and informed consent required prior to surgery. Students will learn to recognize simple imaging modalities and findings, commonly used as an adjunct in orthopaedic diagnoses.

Course Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Recognize the presentation of common musculoskeletal conditions.
2. Perform the basic examination of the extremities and spine for musculoskeletal conditions.
3. Describe basic treatment protocols for common musculoskeletal conditions.