40th Annual CCSU Sports Medicine Symposium
Presentations & Learning Objectives
Orthopedic Assessment: Shoulder Complex Special Tests for Instabilities & Labral Pathologies
Speaker: Robert Waskowitz, MD
Presentation Description
Utilizing special tests during orthopedic shoulder complex assessments is within the scope of practice for athletic trainers, who are trained to assess and manage musculoskeletal issues. Athletic trainers often perform a variety of special tests to evaluate the function and integrity of the shoulder complex joints, ligaments, and associated structures. A systematic approach is essential to demonstrating proficiency in shoulder complex orthopedic special tests. Mastery demonstrates precision in skill set application to establish accuracy in interpretation of results, and integration into the broader clinical assessment of patients with shoulder complaints.
Objectives: At the end of this session/activity, the participant/attendee will be able to:
- Develop advanced mastery in the application of shoulder instability orthopedic special tests.
- Integrate special tests into clinical assessment.
- Interpret test results.
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
Practice Domains: Assessment, Evaluation and Diagnosis; Therapeutic Intervention
Orthopedic Assessment: Special Tests for Shoulder Complex Tendinopathies
Speaker: J. Kristopher Ware, MD
Presentation Description
Mastering the techniques involved in performing specific tests designed to assess of shoulder complex pathology is essential for the athletic trainer. This involves recognizing the specific anatomical and biomechanical aspects that each test assesses and understanding how positive or negative results contribute to the identification of various shoulder conditions such as labral tears, impingement, or muscle/tendon disorders. The ultimate goal is to integrate orthopedic special tests seamlessly into a comprehensive evaluation of the shoulder complex. This integration is necessary for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
Objectives: At the end of this session/activity, the participant/attendee will be able to:
- Demonstrate Mastery shoulder orthopedic special test for tendinopathy
- Integrate special tests into their comprehensive shoulder evaluation.
- Interpret the diagnostic significance of each special test.
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
Practice Domains: Assessment, Evaluation and Diagnosis; Therapeutic Intervention
General Medical: Skin Pathology Assessment
Speaker: Jeffrey Brown, MD
Presentation Description
Early identification of abnormal skin lesions can prevent the progression of serious conditions, including skin infections, inflammatory reactions, or malignancies (e.g., melanoma). Recognizing suspicious lesions allows ATs to refer individuals to dermatologists or other healthcare providers promptly for diagnosis and treatment. ATs play a role in determining whether an athlete is fit to participate, as untreated skin infections may pose a risk to both the affected athlete and others. By developing clinical skills in identifying skin lesions, athletic trainers enhance their ability to protect athletes' health, prevent the spread of contagious conditions, and support overall wellness in sports settings. This skill also underscores the comprehensive nature of their role as healthcare professionals.
Objectives: At the end of this session/activity, the participant/attendee will be able to:
- Identify and differentiate between common skin conditions, such as infections, inflammatory disorders, and potentially serious lesions.
- Demonstrate proficiency in performing a systematic skin assessment, including inspection and palpation techniques, and accurately document findings using appropriate medical terminology
- Develop the ability to assess whether a skin lesion requires immediate intervention, ongoing monitoring, or referral to a specialist, while considering the implications for athlete participation and infection control.
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Practice Domains: Assessment, Evaluation and Diagnosis
General Medical: Throat Examination
Speaker: Tara Futrell, MD
Lab Assistant Instructors: Stacy Christensen, APRN, DNP
Presentation Description
Athletic trainers (ATs) are integral to the healthcare team for athletes, often being the first line of assessment for medical concerns. By developing skills to assess and manage throat illnesses, athletic trainers ensure they can address immediate health concerns, prevent complications, and support the overall well-being and performance of their athletes.
Conditions like pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or epiglottitis can progress to severe complications if not recognized early, including abscess formation or airway obstruction. Identifying throat illnesses ensures prompt referral to physicians for proper diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of worsening symptoms. Many throat infections, such as strep throat or viral pharyngitis, are highly contagious. Early detection helps limit the spread within team environments. Some throat symptoms, such as hoarseness, persistent swelling, or difficulty swallowing, may signal serious conditions like thyroid abnormalities, infections like mononucleosis, or even head and neck cancers. Awareness of Systemic Conditions: Throat symptoms can sometimes indicate underlying systemic illnesses, such as autoimmune disorders or gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD).
Objectives: At the end of this session/activity, the participant/attendee will be able to:
- Identify common throat conditions, including pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and signs of airway obstruction, by observing and palpating anatomical landmarks and interpreting associated symptoms.
- Demonstrate proper techniques for evaluating the throat, including inspection with a light source, palpation of the neck for lymphadenopathy, and documentation of findings using accurate medical terminology.
- Develop the ability to assess the severity of throat-related symptoms, determine whether immediate intervention, referral, or continued monitoring is required, and understand the steps for managing airway emergencies.
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Practice Domains: Assessment, Evaluation and Diagnosis
Emergency Medicine: Throat Trauma Assessment & Management
Speakers: Tara Futrell, MD
Lab Assistant Instructors: Victor Morone MS, NREMT-P, EMS-I; Matthew May, BS, NREMT-P; Matthew Hess, NREMT-P, EMS-I.
Presentation Description
Athletic trainers (ATs) often encounter situations where they must evaluate and respond to traumatic injuries, including those to the throat. Developing clinical skills to identify trauma to the throat, including lacerations to blood vessels, is crucial for the following reason. Lacerations to major blood vessels in the throat, such as the carotid artery or jugular vein, can result in rapid and life-threatening blood loss. Quick recognition is vital for initiating emergency care. Throat trauma can lead to airway obstruction due to swelling, bleeding, or damage to the trachea, necessitating immediate intervention to secure the airway. Skills in recognizing and responding to life-threatening trauma, such as applying direct pressure to bleeding vessels or positioning the athlete to maintain airway patency, are essential. The ability to identify and manage throat trauma ensures they can stabilize the athlete until advanced medical help arrives. By honing skills to identify and manage throat trauma, including lacerations to blood vessels, athletic trainers enhance their ability to provide life-saving care, mitigate risks, and ensure athlete safety in high-stakes situations.
Objectives: At the end of this session/activity, the participant/attendee will be able to:
- Identify signs and symptoms of throat trauma, including lacerations to blood vessels, airway compromise, and associated injuries, through visual inspection, palpation, and clinical evaluation.
- Demonstrate proper techniques for managing throat trauma, including controlling bleeding, maintaining airway patency, and stabilizing the neck to prevent further injury.
- Develop the ability to determine the severity of throat trauma, prioritize life-saving interventions, and communicate effectively with emergency medical personnel for advanced care and transport.
Level of Difficulty: Advanced
Practice Domains: Critical Incident Management