Written By: Sarah Vincent (PGY1 FM, Memorial University) and Kelly Mitchelmore (also PGY1 FM, Memorial University)
Expert Review By: Dr Sean Hamilton, Head of Rheumatology for Eastern Health in St Johns Newfoundland.
Objectives 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 will be covered with a case
OBJECTIVE 1
In a patient presenting with joint pain, distinguish benign from serious pathology (e.g., sarcoma, septic joint):
a) By taking pertinent history
b) By investigating in a timely and appropriate manner (e.g., aspirate, blood work, an X-ray examination).
OBJECTIVE 2
In a patient presenting with non-specific musculoskeletal pain, make a specific rheumatologic diagnosis when one is evident through history, physical examination, and investigations. (e.g., gout, fibromyalgia, monoarthropathy vs. polyarthropathy).
OBJECTIVE 3
In a patient presenting with monoarthropathy, rule out infectious causes. (e.g., sexually transmitted diseases).
OBJECTIVE 5
Clinically diagnose ligamentous injuries. Do NOT do an X-ray examination.
OBJECTIVE 6
In a patient presenting with joint pain, include systemic conditions in the differential diagnosis (e.g., Wegener’s granulomatosis, lupus, ulcerative colitis).