17.1 Diagnostic Imaging
NATA approved: #Q102-29

This course presents an overview of diagnostic imaging in physical therapy. Dr Ross Biederman, a subject matter expert on the topic of diagnostic imaging, first discusses the fundamentals of musculoskeletal imaging. He then covers radiographs and avoiding the pitfalls of x-ray film interpretation as well as magnetic resonance imaging interpretation in physical therapy practice. Each monograph concludes with case studies that augment the participant's clinical problem solving. Utilization of the information from this Independent Study Course will enhance the physical therapist's ability to appropriately practice as an autonomous practitioner with direct access.

Dr Ross Biederman has taught medical imaging at several west coast university DPT and transitional DPT programs, including Azusa Pacific University where he is a full-time professor; Loma Linda University; California State University at Northridge; and Western University of Health Sciences. In addition, he is currently a part-time faculty member at Northeastern University on the east coast. Dr Biederman has presented on various medical imaging topics for the American Physical Therapy Association for pre-conference as well as PT2020 seminars. He is board certified in surgery, licensed as a radiography supervisor and operator in the state of California, and is a qualified medical examiner in California. He has had the opportunity to read thousands of films in training, private practice, and with radiologists. Dr Biederman shares his expertise in a very user-friendly manner. Take advantage of this must-have resource for diagnostic imaging in physical therapy.

Upon completion of this course, the course participant will be able to:

1. Recognize both the production mechanism and visual appearance of common radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences.
2. Describe the fundamental physics of radiographs and MRI.
3. Understand the significance of proton density, T1 and T2 weighting, and the appearance of each on MRI studies.
4. Recognize normal appearance of tissues and alteration in tissue density, and develop a system of anatomic recognition with common x-rays and MRI sequences and understand methods of anatomic analysis.
5. Describe standard x-ray and MR image views and planes.
6. Describe and recognize film errors introduced by x-ray physics and film processing.
7. Recognize image distortion created by enlargement, elongation, foreshortening, and superimposition on radiographs.
8. Identify common pathologies with radiographs and by MR signal alteration.
9. Identify and sort MRI image sequences and gain necessary information through understanding of the data printed on MRI films.
10. Integrate data from diagnostic imaging into physical therapy interventions via rehabilitation treatment design and delivery.
11. Use standard nomenclature for diagnostic imaging in communication within the medical community in order to enhance communication and professional cooperation between referring physicians and physical therapists.

• X-ray Film Interpretation: Avoiding the Pitfalls-Ross
  E. Biederman, DPM-MD
• Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Imaging: MRI Interpretation in Physical Therapy Practice-Part I
  Ross E. Biederman, DPM-MD
• Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Imaging: MRI Interpretation in Physical Therapy Practice-Part II
  Ross E. Biederman, DPM-MD

Would you like to purchase this course? Click here to go to the online store.