This course is a comprehensive review of the relationship of anatomy and biomechanics to current hand therapy treatment, discussing the why of current treatment rationale. With a concentration on tendon, bone and joint injuries, this course will help you develop the ability to more precisely alter treatment protocols based on specific anatomical and biomechanical knowledge. This course is not a lecture on protocols, but a group discussion about clinical decision making. Discussions on tendons will be enhanced by anatomical drawings, review of tendon anatomy, video of fresh cadaver tendon anatomy/excursion exercises and small group discussion of tendon case studies. Discussions on fractures will include anatomy relative to bone healing, type of fractures and fracture stability. X-rays and case studies will enhance group discussion. This course is for experienced hand therapists who want to examine their current level of insight and understanding in treating tendon and bone injuries.
 

Experience Level - Intermediate/Advanced 

Course Objectives

At the completion of this two-day course, the participant will be able to:

• Recognize the detailed anatomy of the dorsal apparatus of the finger.
• Understand the biomechanics of normal and abnormal digital flexion.
• Differentially test interosseous and lumbrical tightness and demonstrate how to elongate each muscle-tendon unit.
• Probe long-held assumptions about the sequencing of mobilization techniques.
• Review anatomical information on the extensor tendons anatomy for all levels.
• Analyze patient treatment of the five levels of extensor tendon injuries.
• Review anatomical information on the flexor tendons, pulleys, and flexor muscles.
• Analyze patient treatment for four different levels of flexor tendon injuries.
• Discuss principles of joint position and tendon gliding for all flexor injury zones.
• Review fracture healing, types of fractures and fracture descriptions.
• Study joint anatomy of the PIP joint.
• Discuss patient case studies on principles of mobilization for stiffness following digital and metacarpal fractures and PIP joint dislocations.

Anatomical & Biomechanical Basis of Hand Therapy Treatment (14 Contact Hours)