Educational Overview

Course Description

This interdisciplinary course is designed to equip physical and occupational therapy professionals, athletic trainers, nurses, and primary care providers with the latest evidence-based advancements in orthopaedic and musculoskeletal care. This program features expert-led sessions on pediatric limb deformity and length corrections, modern rehabilitation, knee osteoarthritis, orthopaedic urgent care, surgical considerations, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in rehabilitation. Attendees will gain practical clinical insights aimed at improving functional patient outcomes and enhancing collaborative care.

Educational Objectives

1. Discuss and identify clinical indications for surgical intervention in patients with chronic lateral tennis elbow.
2. Identify the key clinical features of non-tendinous causes of lateral elbow pain, including radial tunnel syndrome and synovial plica syndrome.
3. Differentiate modern rehabilitation strategies based on acute, chronic, and refractory presentations of lateral elbow pain.
4. Analyze emerging AI technologies and their impact on rehabilitation delivery, clinical workflow, patient outcomes, and the future role of rehabilitation professionals.
5. Identify patient-specific factors that influence treatment selection and outcomes in individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis who decline surgical management.
6. Differentiate routine primary knee replacement cases from complex arthroplasty presentations that may require specialized surgical techniques, implants, or rehabilitation approaches.
7. Identify common congenital and acquired upper extremity deformities in the pediatric population that may require surgical corrections.
8. Compare and contrast current limb lengthening technologies, including external fixation and internal motorized lengthening devices, with respect to surgical principles, benefits, limitations and potential complications.
9. Identify common pediatric lower extremity deformities, including angular rotational and limb length abnormalities, that may require surgical intervention.
10. Identify common postoperative considerations and complications with limb lengthening and reconstruction procedures, including joint stiffness, pain, neurovascular concerns, infection and delayed functional progression.
11. Apply evidence-based rehabilitation interventions to address mobility limitations, optimize gait mechanics, and improve functional performance following deformity correction procedures.
12. Analyze challenging orthopaedic walk-in clinic cases using patient history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic imaging results.
13. Describe clinic findings associated with chronic or recurrent lateral ankle sprains and their impact on functional outcomes.
14. Develop individualized rehabilitation and return to work plans based on symptom response, functional testing, and work-specific demands.

The material covered by the 2026 22 nd Annual Orthopaedic Update Conference includes domains 1, 2, and 4 of the BOC Role Delineation/Practice Analysis, 7th edition (Injury and Illness Prevention and Wellness Promotion, Examination, Assessment and Diagnosis and Therapeutic Intervention). In addition, the new BOC Orthopaedic Specialty domains Medical Knowledge and Procedural Knowledge. According to the education levels described by the Professional Development Committee of the NATA, the following continuing education course is considered to be Essential and/or Advanced Level to offer continuing education for Certified Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants.