- Injuries to the hand are often more complicated than expected in the athletic population. An intricate network of ligaments, nerves, bones and other soft tissue can make diagnosis of hand injuries difficult. Athletic trainers’ knowledge of hand anatomy is often inadequate to properly assess these injuries and the impact of a missed diagnosis or improper treatment could be detrimental to a patient’s quality of life long-term. This program will review important anatomy of the different ligaments and tendons, ways to diagnose injuries with more confidence and accuracy, as well as compare the treatment options available for various injuries.
-By participating in this course, the athletic trainer will be better equipped to properly assess athletes with more significant injuries to the fingers and hand. Early recognition and proper management of these injuries will lead the athlete receiving appropriate care, improved outcomes, and a greater long term outlook of maintaining their hand dexterity and proper function.
-Osteochondritis dissecans “OCD” of the knee commonly occurs in young athletes both chronically and from acute injuries. As with most injuries, early detection is key for optimal recovery but OCD’s can go undetected due to complaints of general knee pain or subtle signs and symptoms. Athletic trainers are often the first health care professionals to see these athletes. Some athletic trainers may lack the experience to differentiate between an OCD injury and other general knee pains. This program will review the relevant anatomy and pathophysiology that leads to this condition. As well as break down key clues in the history, demonstrate evaluation techniques to help lead to diagnosis, and identify treatment strategies.
-The ability to recognize these signs and symptoms early is needed to provide best care for the athletes. This program will provide the athletic trainer with the knowledge and skill necessary to accurately assess knee injuries and identify possible OCD injuries at an early stage resulting in fewer days lost to injury, a better recovery from the injury, and a better long range prognosis for the athlete.
MaineGeneral Sports Medicine & Colby College Sports Medicine offer Ligamentous Injuries to the Hand & OCD of the Knee
CAT A Presentation
On-Demand
- Elaine Balutis, MD, MaineGeneral Orthopedics
- James Dunlap, MD, MaineGeneral Sports Medicine
Objectives
At the conclusion of this program, the participant will be able to:
- Diagnose ligamentous injuries of the hand.
- Explain treatment options of ligamentous injuries of the hand.
- Identify the anatomy of different ligaments and tendons of the hand.
- Explain the pathophysiology of knee osteochondritis dissecans.
- Define the history and physical examination clues in an evaluation that leads to a diagnosis.
- Identify treatment strategies for knee osteochondritis dissecans.
According to the education levels described by the PDC, the following continuing education course is considered to be Advanced.
Credits Awarded
CEUs awarded: 2 CAT A CEUs
MaineGeneral Medical Center (BOC AP#: P2258) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Certified Athletic Trainers. This program is eligible for a maximum of (2) CAT A CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
