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| Musculoskeletal injuries are common in the
workplace. Initial diagnoses can be non-specific. Though most
musculoskeletal conditions resolve quickly, there are atypical
cases which do not follow typical recovery routes. This module
reviews injuries involving the lower back and also provides information
on other commonly reported musculoskeletal injuries
(Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rotator Cuff tears, tendonitis, Whiplash and
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy). Typical recovery times as well as "red flags" are described. |
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| In addition, common diagnostic
tests for work related injuries will be reviewed. Patients
may be required to have X-Rays, MRIs, CT scans, Discograms,
or EMG/Nerve Conduction Studies. Each of these diagnostic tests will be discussed. |
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| Also covered is the work-rehabilitation process
timetable beginning with the injury, the physical evaluation, and the
rehabilitation which results in either successful resolution or chronic
work injury and probably litigation. Early return to work is stressed
as an effective strategy to reduce prolonged lost-time injuries. |
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| 10% of injured employees consume 90% of
the system's cost. Strategies for returning the employee to work early are discussed.
The importance of active vs passive rehabilitation, methods
of evaluating the need for narcotic medications, such as the Visual-Analogue
Pain Scale, and the importance of functional and vocational goals are presented.
The role of alternative and complementary treatments is clarified. |
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| Though the AMA guides on disability evaluation are
theoretically objective, they can be quite subjective in practice. Various
editions of the AMA guides are available (the 6th Edition is about to be published).
Some states require the use of the latest edition and others require the use of older versions. |
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| It is important to distinguish between impairment (medical factors)
and disability (the social effect of impairment). A new concept in case management,
Impairment Re-evaluation, will be explained and common areas of disagreement will be noted.
"Red Flags" such as disability out of proportion to impairment, iatrogenic disability
and total disability will be discussed. In addition, methods to evaluate an employee
who has been declared totally disabled will be presented. |
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| The participant will learn the best predictor of "return to work".
Though simple, it is profoundly accurate. |
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| Twelve practical strategies that have been demonstrated
to be effective for reducing long-term work related injuries will be presented. |
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