Education on performing routine exams on knees, back and hips; diagnosing common upper and lower extremity issues; and ways to improve the patient referral process from PCP to orthopaedic specialists are among the topics featured at an upcoming conference hosted by CHOC. We spoke with Dr. Afshin Aminian, medical director of the CHOC Orthopaedic Institute, about what guests can expect on May 21.
What is the importance of the “Orthopaedic Medicine: What Every Pediatrician Should Know” conference?
Orthopaedic injuries and musculoskeletal problems are common problems that our general practitioners see on a routine basis. They range from newborn hip screening exams to diagnosis of overuse athletic inures and scoliosis screening exams, among other common issues. We hope that we can partner with our attendees to provide them some valuable, interactive education so that they feel confident when facing these issues with their patients.
What will attendees be able to take away from your presentation on the management of back pain and scoliosis?
The incidence of back pain is on the rise in adolescents, and scoliosis is very prevalent in adolescent females. Our attendees will develop an algorithm for diagnosis and management of back pain in children and be able to succesfully perform a scoliosis screening exam.
What can attendees expect at the breakout sessions?
The break out sessions will feature hands-on training on performing musculoskeletal exams and a chance for one-on-one tutorials with the expert group leaders.
When should a pediatrician refer a patient to a pediatric orthopaedic specialist?
Referral guidelines will be discussed in an open forum style with audience participation and input. The referral guidelines currently on the CHOC website, will then be updated for ease of access to our referring physicians.
An internationally-recognized and sought-after expert in pediatric orthopaedics, Dr. Aminian has presented at numerous conferences and meetings in the United States and abroad. His clinical interests include scoliosis surgery, treating spinal deformities in children, and assessing surgical correction in relationship to patient outcome in radiographic parameters. Dr. Aminian is board certified in orthopaedic surgery, and is affiliated with the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery and the Scoliosis Research Society.
“Orthopaedic Medicine: What Every Pediatrician Should Know” will be held on May 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at CHOC Hospital, in the Harold Wade Education Center.
CHOC designates this live activity for a maximum of 7.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.
