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Orthopedics

Casting clinic

The orthopedic component of the curriculum is fulfilled mainly during the second year. This main component is a four-week rotation in the orthopedics department during their second year.

Outpatient: The month-long rotation is spent mainly in the outpatient offices of Blair Orthopedics and sports medicine. Five half days per week are spent in the orthopedic office under the guidance of the orthopedic surgeons and a certified cast technician. The primary goal during this portion of the rotation is to gain exposure to evaluation and treatment of common orthopedic conditions, including, but not limited to, osteoarthritis, spinal disorders, fractures, sprains, dislocations and congenital anomalies. Residents are given the opportunity to perform various procedures including casting, splinting, aspiration and injection of joints, and tendon sheaths. They are expected to learn the advantage and disadvantages of available imaging techniques and what x-rays to order in various circumstances. Much time is spent reviewing x-rays and other imaging studies with the teaching physician. Further experience is gained in diagnostic and treatment approach to various acute and overuse injuries occurring during sports. The residents learn how to perform pre-participation and sports physical exams in the office. Two half days per week are spent in the operating room under the direction of two of our orthopedists. Emphasis is on the evaluation of all the major joints, manipulation of joints under anesthesia, and the further teaching of injection, along with assisting with basic orthopedic surgical procedures. Residents are evaluated by direct observation by the teaching physician. Evaluations are based on observation of case presentation, evaluation skills and techniques in the various procedures performed during the rotation. All evaluators complete a written evaluation of performance at the end of each phase of the orthopedic experience. The resident also spends 3-half days per week in the Family Practice Clinic.

Additionally, the residents have a series of sports medicine, orthopedic and manual medicine lectures. A minimum of four lectures is given every year; there are additional topics presented at such conferences as Manual Medicine Day and additional Family Practice conferences. A 4.5 hour lecture/practicum on evaluation of general musculoskeletal problems is done every spring at OMT day. Required reading consists of the AAFP monograph "Fractures and Dislocations".

Residents may also assist in coverage of athletic events during the three years. They may attend football games and other events. These are under the direct supervision of a teaching physician or a certified athletic trainer. Emphasis is made on rapid yet thorough evaluation of athletic injuries as well as determining ability to safely return to competition.

At the end of the month-long rotation, the residents are evaluated by the teaching physician and the evaluations are placed in their files to be reviewed by the faculty advisors and at quarterly evaluation.