This CME course represents an intensive, evidence-based review of examination and treatment techniques for musculoskeletal problems encountered in daily practice. Numerous studies demonstrate that more than 20 percent of all visits to primary care providers deal with these complaints. The pertinent history and physical examination techniques are reviewed. The functional anatomy of the joint, as well as common mechanisms of injuries, is stressed. After an initial review of the basics of clinical examination and a general approach to evaluating and treating injuries is completed, a broad review of the benefits of joint aspiration and injection will occur. Why use a shotgun approach with medications that affect the entire body when a focused injection can take care of the problem?
To enhance the educational experience, it is recommended that participants attend this course in comfortable attire so that they will be able to get supervised practice experience in the examination techniques pertinent to every joint. A case-based scenario approach is used to review the most common injuries, including running injuries. More than 75 percent of the 2-day course involves interactive sessions. In the afternoon, each session has extensive practice times with joint models to review and practice common aspiration and injection techniques. Coding for the diagnoses is also included throughout the course. CPT codes for the different aspiration and injection techniques are reviewed, and other coding and reimbursement issues are discussed.
By the end of this activity, the participant should be better able to:
- Identify the anatomy and function of the joints most commonly present in primary care offices with injuries or dysfunction.
- Utilize specific physical diagnosis tests to evaluate each joint using evidence-based medicine guidelines.
- Identify common mechanisms of injuries and the pathology that can lead to injury or dysfunction.
- Choose imaging techniques used for the evaluation of the joints discussed.
- Perform exam techniques by practicing them in a supervised setting.
- Perform joint aspirations and injections by practicing using joint models.
2025 Course Accreditation
The Texas Academy of Family Physicians designates this live activity for a maximum of 16.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The AAFP has reviewed Joint Exam and Injections and deemed it acceptable for up to 16.00 Live AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of Approval is from 07/19/2025 to 07/20/2025. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Learn more about our accreditation.
7:30 - 8 a.m.
- Registration and breakfast
Day One
8 – 10 a.m. — 2 CME Credits
Basic Concepts of Clinical Examination & Management of Orthopedic Injuries
- Identify the anatomy and function of the joints most commonly present in primary care offices with injuries or dysfunction.
Introduction to Musculoskeletal Imaging
- Utilize specific physical diagnosis tests to evaluate each joint using evidence-based medicine guidelines.
Introduction to Injections
- Review the indications, benefits, risks, and contraindications of injections in Family Medicine.
10 – 10:15 a.m. — Break
10:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. — 1.75 CME Credits
Shoulder: Anatomy, Clinical Assessment, and Common Clinical Problems
Shoulder Examination: Demonstration and Practice
- Implement the core concepts of sports medicine as applied to shoulder exams and clinical subsets for applied clinical anatomy, careful history and physical exam, and the role of rehabilitation exercises for the shoulder.
- Specifically, diagnose and detail the management of the most common shoulder problems, including subacromial impingement and adhesive capsulitis.
12 – 1 p.m. — Lunch
1 – 3 p.m. — 2 CME Credits
Elbow/Wrist/Hand: Anatomy, Clinical Assessment, Common Clinical Problems
Elbow/Wrist/Hand Examination: Demonstration and Practice
- Implement the core concepts of sport medicine as applied to the elbow, wrist, and hand for applied clinical anatomy, carful history, and physical exam.
- Specifically, diagnose and adequately manage the most common elbow, wrist, and hand injuries.
3 – 3:15 p.m. — Break
3:15 – 5:30 p.m. — 2.25 CME Credits
Joint Aspiration & Injections – Upper Extremities Workshop
- Identify the indications, benefits, risks, and contraindications of upper extremity joint injections.
- Implement general principles involved in administering upper extremity injections, including consent, equipment, anesthesia, choice of corticosteroid, and technique.
- Discuss the basics of coding upper extremity joint aspiration and injection procedures.
Day Two
8 – 10 a.m. — 2 CME Credits
Knee: Anatomy, Clinical Assessment, and Common Clinical Problems
Knee Examination: Demonstration and Practice
- Implement the core concepts of sports medicine as applied to the knee for applied clinical anatomy, careful history, physical exam, and the role of rehabilitation exercises.
- Specifically diagnose and adequately manage the most common traumatic and atraumatic knee injuries.
10 – 10:15 a.m. — Break
10:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. — 1.75 CME Credits
Lower Leg, Ankle, Foot: Anatomy, Clinical Assessment, Common Clinical Problems
Lower Leg, Ankle, Foot Examination: Demonstration and Practice
- Implement the core concepts of sports medicine as applied to the leg, ankle, and foot for applied clinical anatomy, careful history, and physical examination.
- Specifically diagnose and adequately manage the most common leg, ankle, and foot injuries, including ankle sprains, Achilles tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, and Morton’s neuroma.
12 – 1 p.m. — Lunch
1 – 3 p.m. — 2 CME Credits
Joint Aspiration & Injections – Lower Extremities Workshop
- Identify the indications, benefits, risks, and contraindications of lower extremity joint injections.
- Implement general principles involved in administering lower extremity injections, including consent, equipment, anesthesia, choice of corticosteroid, and technique.
- Discuss the basics of coding lower extremity joint aspiration and injection procedures.
3 – 3:15 p.m. — Break
3:15 – 5:30 p.m. — 2.25 CME Credits
Lumbar Spine/Hip: Anatomy, Clinical Assessment, Common Clinical Problems
Lumbar Spine/Hip Examination: Demonstration and Practice
- Review the clinical anatomy of the lumbar spine and hip.
- Review the epidemiology and natural history of low back pain and hip pain.
- Outline the evidence-based approach to clinical assessment of the lumbar spine and hip.
TOTAL CME CREDITS: 16
