Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine

This musculoskeletal module focuses on the different types of musculoskeletal pain and its underlying causes. It discusses the pathophysiology of muscular deficiencies commonly seen in general practice in detail, such as muscular overload, muscle pairing imbalance and joint instability. The module then covers the types of treatment and exercise to be applied to these deficiencies. Various images and case studies are presented throughout the module to assist with learning.   

This musculoskeletal module focuses on the steps used to initiate a diagnosis in patients with acutely painful joints and briefly introduces the causes and complications of polyarthritis. It outlines the differential diagnosis based on history taking, examinations and investigations. The module explains the epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, natural history and diagnostic criteria of rheumatoid arthritis. The module concludes with the examination, investigations, diagnosis, and management specific to rheumatoid arthritis. Various images and statistics are used throughout the module to assist with learning.   

This module focuses on the initial diagnosis and GP management of sport-related neck injuries. It outlines the neck anatomy and common causes of neck injuries in sport. The module then outlines the step-by-step diagnostic process to exclude the possibility of an unstable cervical spine injury that could lead to spinal cord compression and neurological compromise. This involves a combination of history taking, physical findings and, when required, imaging studies. Treatment and management of neck injuries in emergency and uncomplicated situations are discussed. The module concludes with the management of neck injuries in special situations including neck injuries in children, arthritic spine, aging spine and soft tissue injuries with blunt injuries.  

This module introduces the definition of musculoskeletal injuries and outlines the role and importance of GP involvement in managing these injuries. The module outlines the different classifications and management of injuries including soft-tissue injuries and closed injuries. It also discusses the principles to improve and optimise the healing of such injuries. The module then focuses on the diagnosis and management of common musculoskeletal injuries including ankle sprains, syndesmosis injuries, MCL injuries, hamstring tears, groin strains and adhesive capsulitis. The module concludes with the diagnosis and symptoms of concussion and ways to manage them. 

This musculoskeletal module begins with an introduction to the principles and fundamentals of biomechanical assessments. Terminology and assessment tips of a normal gait are outlined including movement, forces and pressures. It also discusses the terminology and clinical symptoms of antalgic/abnormal gait of the hip, knee, ankle and foot. The module then discusses the biomechanical assessments of the lower limb including non-clinical gait tests, altered/additional gait tests, ankle D/F lunge tests and other quick tests. The management and therapeutic intervention of the lower limbs is outlined. The module concludes with referral options and when and whom to refer patients. Various images are presented throughout the module to assist with learning. 

This musculoskeletal module focuses on planning an assessment of patients with chronic joint pain and degenerative joint disease. It begins with an introduction and overview of arthritis and a discussion on the differential diagnoses of degenerative joint and inflammatory joint disease. The module explains the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA). Overarching principles of OA management are discussed including OA management of the hip, knee and hand. The module concludes with the management of cervical and lumbar spondylosis.  

This musculoskeletal module focuses on the initial diagnoses and management of low back pain including GP assessment for cauda equina or spinal nerve root damage. It outlines the epidemiology, definitions, anatomy and physiology of low back pain including red flags that require urgent intervention. Patients that need investigations through relevant lab tests are discussed. Different imaging modalities including X rays, CT scans, MRI, bone scans and Nerve Conduction Studies are outlined depending on the symptoms. The module concludes with the management of non-specific low back pain and the role of surgery in managing these conditions. Images and videos are presented throughout the module to enhance learning.   

This musculoskeletal module focuses on assessing patients with recurrent musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries, including establishing a management plan with other health professionals. It outlines the differential diagnosis, prevention, management and long-term rehabilitation of plantar fasciitis and chronic ankle instability. In this module, the aetiology, risk factors, presentation, differential diagnosis, examination, imaging and management of Achilles tendinopathy, shin splints, patellar tendinopathy, Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, Carpal Tunnel syndrome, Ilio-tibial band friction syndrome and rotator cuff tendinitis are discussed in detail. The module concludes with the diagnosis and management of elbow epicondylitis and lumbar facet joint syndrome.