513-301 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy I

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject covers the aetiology, medical, pharmacological and surgical management and physiotherapy treatment of common musculoskeletal disorders. Content covered includes fractures and associated soft tissue injuries; arthritic conditions; joint injuries and vertebral disorders. By completion of third year students should possess a sound theoretical knowledge of the above mentioned conditions and their management; the ability to perform an appropriate subjective and objective examination; the capacity to plan and the skills to implement appropriate, effective physiotherapy treatment of these patients; the ability to monitor patient response and to modify or progress treatment appropriately; an appreciation of the importance of good written and verbal communication with both patients and other health professionals; an awareness of the paramount importance of patient safety at all times; and a knowledge of the role of other health care professionals involved in patient care, and the importance of the team approach to patient management.

Assessment

Clinical: continuous clinical assessment (40%), clinical exam (10%). Theory: case presentation (5%), written exams (45%). Semester 1 (2-hour) written exam (20%), Semester 2 (2-hour) hour written exam (25%). Students must pass both clinical and theoretical components of the assessment in order to pass the subject.

Recommended Texts

• R McRae, Practical Fracture Treatment. 2nd edition, Churchill-Livingstone, 1989 or S Hopperfield, V L Murthy, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Fractures, Lippencott, Williams & Wilkins, 2000.
• K Atkinson, J Coutts, A M Hassenkamp, Physiotherapy in Orthopaedics: A Problem Solving Approach. Churchill Livingstone. 1999.
• M Zuluaga et al, Sports Physiotherapy: Applied Science and Practice. Churchill Livingstone, 1995.
• G D Maitland et al, Vertebral Manipulation. 6th edition, Butterworth Heinemann, 2001.
• G D Maitland et al, Peripheral Manipulation. 3rd edition, Butterworth Heinemann, 1991.