Introduction

Between 1% and 5% of all musculoskeletal presentations in primary care are due to serious pathology. Spinal malignancy is the second most common serious pathology of the spine. However, identifying these types of pathologies as the cause of musculoskeletal pain is very complex. This course reviews a framework that has been developed to enable clinicians to identify patients with serious pathology as part of a differential diagnosis, as quickly and reliably as possible. This course will introduce spinal malignancy and explore the basis and application of this framework in detail.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• list the five primary cancers most likely to spread to the spine
• discuss spinal metastases in terms of the most likely sites in the spine
• identify eight signs of metastatic spinal cord compression
• interpret the Decision Tool for Early Identification of Serious Spinal Pathology developed by Finucane and colleagues using case studies as examples
• justify the use of the Decision Tool for Early Identification of Serious Spinal Pathology developed by Finucane and colleagues in clinical practice

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, nurses or medical doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1-1.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.1 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.