SPINAL AND LIMB FRACTURES
POR3SLF
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject, students will gain and apply specialised knowledge and skills in the assessment, prescription, fitting and evaluation of removable and non-removable orthoses for spinal and limb fracture management. This subject is designed to develop student's understanding of spinal and limb orthotic fracture management, including an introduction to medical imaging and the biology of fractures, as well as principles and clinical applications of fracture orthoses. This subject will enable students to demonstrate their understanding of the theory of orthotic fracture management by providing practical experience in the application of fracture orthoses for the spine and limbs.
School: School of Allied Health
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Nathan Collins
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: HBS2SUM and POR2PGC
Co-requisites: POR3CAT and HBS3PPO
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: Only available to students enrolled in Prosthetics and Orthotics (or students prospectively enrolling in Prosthetics and Orthotics GEMS)
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Functional Fracture Bracing | Recommended | Sarmiento, A 2002 | LIPPINCOTT, WILLIAMS AND WILKINS |
| Readings | Practical Fracture Treatment | Recommended | McRae, R 2002 | CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONE |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Fracture Management & Medical Imaging. On the basis of presentation and data, identify and describe a variety of common fractures affecting the spine and extremities and determine the likely cause and physiological healing process.
- Activities:
- - Describe the physical presentation of fractures using Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma classification system - Identify a wide variety of fractures commonly affecting the spine and extremities based on the physical presentation of the injury and/or through the use of various medical images (i.e. CT scans; MRI; X-ray) - Describe common mechanisms of injury including the biomechanical basis of these injuries for fractures commonly affecting the spine and extremities - Describe the physiology/biology of the fracture healing process and how this relates to fracture management.
02. Client assessment. Independently and safely conduct a clinical assessment of a person, or simulated client, with a fracture to the spine or extremities.
- Activities:
- - Undertake a subjective examination of a person with a fracture, or simulated client, using effective interpersonal and communication skills - Conduct an objective examination of the fractured spine or extremity which evaluates, for example, limitations in range of motion; pain and/or neurological deficits - Demonstrate safe practice for the client and self in the use of equipment and manual assessment techniques - Synthesise information from sources such as referrals, subjective and objective evaluations and medical images to formulate an assessment of the fracture
03. Prescription. Develop, justify and communicate an orthotic prescription to manage treatment objectives for a range of fractures common to the spine and extremities
- Activities:
- - Clearly describe the role of the orthotist as part of the medical team - Identify goals of orthotic treatment within the context of a medical team - Compare the relative advantages and disadvantages of various custom made and prefabricated orthoses to meet treatment goals - Develop a well evidenced rationale to justify an orthotic prescription - Design an orthosis to meet treatment objectives and plan the provision of the device - Present critical prescription information to clients, peers and other medical professionals
04. Provision of an orthosis. Provide an orthosis for a simulated client with a fracture of the spine or extremity and evaluate the fit and function of the device.
- Activities:
- - Select, fit and adjust pre-fabricated orthoses for fractures of the spine or extremities - Plan the provision or manufacture of a device for a given prescription - Fabricate orthoses using a variety of materials including: high and low temperature thermoplastic - Fit the orthosis to the client (or a simulated client) - Critically evaluate the fit and effectiveness of the orthosis
Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nathan Collins
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 word equivalence case study project | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Laboratory projects equivalent to 2,500 word assignment | 50 | 02, 03, 04 | |
| One hour written examination | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |