Case Studies of Spine & Extremities: Clinicians Beware

In conjunction with a focused history and physical examination, imaging studies play an important role in accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment of patients. Using a case-based approach this presentation will focus on frequently missed, overlooked, or misdiagnosed conditions of the spine and extremities. These conditions when not diagnosed early and managed appropriately may result in long-term pain and disability. Clinical cases will be used as a basis to explore when and what diagnostic imaging studies yield the most appropriate outcomes.

• •Identify red flag clinical presentations and imaging findings that indicate serious pathology requiring immediate referral or modified management
• •Apply evidence-based diagnostic imaging protocols to spine and extremity conditions, reducing unnecessary testing and improving diagnostic accuracy
• •Recognize commonly missed diagnoses in clinical practice through real-world case analysis and develop strategies to avoid diagnostic errors
• •Integrate focused history and physical examination findings with appropriate imaging studies to establish accurate diagnoses
• •Determine optimal timing and imaging modality selection (radiography, MRI, CT, ultrasound) for specific spine and extremity conditions
• •Develop clinical decision-making frameworks to manage patients with complex or atypical presentations of spine and extremity disorders