Arthritis with Dr Adam Toyer

• Introduction
• Timetable
• Course Content
• Online Hardware/Software Requirements
• Register for this Course

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is one of the most common and debilitating diseases affecting all species of animals. Despite the large investment in research, effective and safe treatments are still elusive. Now more than ever though there are a wide variety of treatment options available however deciding which treatment is best both in terms of safety and efficacy can be challenging. This course will provide participants with a detailed understanding of normal joint structure and physiology. Recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of DJD and their importance in diagnosis and treatment options will be outlined. We will look at current and future diagnostic techniques including digital radiography, CT, MRI and biochemical markers. Finally we will bring all the information together to help us decide on a course of action for treatment. Currently available treatment options will be covered, from cortisone through to acupuncture, and future trends will be looked at including IL1ra’s, stem cell therapy and more. By completion of the course participants will be aware of the latest thoughts on the pathophysiology of DJD and how this can be applied to provide the best diagnostic and treatment options for their patients.

Please note: The above timetable is a guide only. The above is just an estimate on the time it will take you to complete each unit. They may take longer. You have been given 6 weeks to complete the course.

Course content

Unit 1: The Normal Joint Versus the DJD Joint

• Module 1: Joint Components
• Module 2: Normal Joint Function
• Module 3: Physiology and Biochemistry
• Module 4: Aetiology and Occurence of DJD
• Module 5: DJD Pathology

An understanding of the normal joint structure and physiology and the changes that occur in Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is vital if we are to intervene in a timely manner to lessen the disease effects. The joint is a complex structure involving highly cellular structures and extensive extra cellular matrix components constantly interacting. DJD involves changes to the joint at a biochemical, micro structural and macro structural level. Understanding of the normal and degenerative joint not only enables the development of early diagnostic processes but also helps in the selection and design of treatment protocols to try and minimize the crippling impact of this common disease.

Unit 2: Diagnosis

• Module 1: Physical Examination
• Module 2.1: Radiology
• Module 2.2: Typical Radiographic Changes
• Module 3: Other Imaging Techniques
• Module 4: Biochemical Tests and Joint Fluid Analysis

Early diagnosis of degenerative joint disease (DJD) is important in determining treatment and prognosis. Unfortunately early changes in cartilage structure are very subtle and often biochemical changes precede any physical changes. The development of advanced imaging technologies such as CT, MRI, and arthroscopy have greatly enhanced the diagnostic accuracy and enabled more reliable early diagnosis of inciting causes of DJD. Biochemical tests have until now been non-specific though recent advances may provide an extremely useful tool for early diagnosis. Despite these advances a thorough physical exam combined with conventional radiography is probably the most useful and reliable diagnostic techniques available in general practice. This unit will discuss these diagnostic techniques in detail; when, where and how to use them.

Unit 3: Management of DJD

• Module 1: Treatment Considerations
• Module 2: Intra-articular Injection Techniques
• Module 3: Weight Loss
• Module 4: Nutritional Supplements and Medications
• Module 5: Other Management Strategies

Unit 4: Pharmacotherapeutics in DJD

• Module 1: Corticosteroids
• Module 2: NSAIDs
• Module 3: Disease Modifying Osteoarthritic Drugs
• Module 4: New and Emerging Treatments
  

Course resources

The Post Graduate Foundation, like many other Australian educational institutions, is committed to greater flexibility in its approach to learning and teaching, and supports the adoption of student-centred pedagogical strategies through the implementation of a more flexible and blended approach to learning.

• Operating system: Microsoft Windows 98 second edition, Me, NT, 2000, XP
• CPU: Pentium Class 266 MHz or faster processor (500 MHz recommended)
• Memory: 64 Mb RAM memory (128 recommended)
• Browser: Netscape 6.2.x, 7.0, and 7.1, Mozilla 1.5, 1.6, Microsoft IE 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 or AOL 7.0, 8.0, 9.0
• Modem: Minimum 56 kbps, preferably Broadband ISDN, ASDL, and an Internet Service Provider
• Hard disk: At least 150 Mb available space
• Multimedia: x16 spin CD-ROM
• Colour monitor capable of 800 x 600 pixels at High colour (16 bit)
• Software: Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Quicktime Media Player

Macintosh

• Operating system: Macintosh 0S 9.2, OS X v.10.1x, v.10.2x, v.10.3x
• CPU: Power Macintosh (G3 and G4) or higher
• Memory: 64 Mb RAM memory (128 recommended)
• Browser: Netscape 6.2.x (OS 9.x and OS X), 7.0 & 7.1 (OS X), Mozilla 1.5, 1.6 (OS X), Microsoft IE 5.1 (OS 9.x and OS X 10.1) and 5.2 (OS X 10.1, 10.2, 10.3), Safari 1.2
• Modem: Minimum 56 kbps, preferably Broadband ISDN, ASDL, and an Internet Service Provider
• Hard disk: At least 150 Mb available space
• Multimedia: x16 spin CD-ROM
• Colour monitor capable of 800 x 600 pixels at High colour (16 bit)
• Software: Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Quicktime Media Player

For more information regarding WebCT technical requirements go to http://www.usyd.edu.au/webct/student/getstart/requirements.shtml

• Read your Online Course Requirements
  
  
• Receive a discount on this course - become an Member of the Post Graduate Foundation