Health Sciences Centre Orthopaedic Technology Services in Partnership with NPAM Continuing Education, Presents:

 

Musculoskeletal Assessments and Applications of Orthopedic Braces, Boots, Casts, and Splints Hands-On Workshop

 

OCTOBER 24, 2026 SATURDAY 

TIMES: 3 hours total - 1.5h formal didactic lecture followed by 1.5 h hands-on skills session in lab

1st Time Slot - 9am - 12pm

2nd Time Slot - 11am - 2 pm

EDUCATORS: Denis Escobar, RT(orthopaed) orthotech educator, Ana Pirlog, MPT, BA, BSc, Acupuncture & Manual Therapy Level 1 & 2, Orthoped Tech, Wound Care sp, and the Orthopaedic Technology Services Team at the Health Sciences Centre

LOCATION: HSC GH404 Lecture Theatre followed by Lab for skills GE Room #104 (Adult Casting Clinic) 

 

^Agenda

^{The workshop will be divided into two parts. During the first 90 minutes we will outline a series of commonly seen and treated MSK injuries. During this portion we will present an injury, perform special tests to diagnose the injury, and show possible options for the treatment of the injury. This can include bracing, splinting, casting or soft good application. Lastly, we will briefly discuss referral options to other healthcare professionals.} 

^{During the second 90 minutes we will divide the 25 participants into smaller groups and have them practice HANDS ON APPLICATIONS of backslabs, splints and other soft goods such as boots and braces. They will also get a chance to perform the special tests mentioned in the lecture component.} 

 

^{TOPICS COVERED IN LECTURE}

^{Lower Extremities}

^{Presentation of Injury and Special Tests}

^{1. Lachman’s Test and Anterior Drawer Test (ACL)}

^{2. Posterior Sag Sign and Posterior Drawer Test (PCL)}

^{3. Valgus vs Varus Street Test (MCL and LCL)}

^{4. Apley’s Grind Test (Meniscus)}

^{5. Thompson Test (Achilles Tendon Rupture) and Wedging}

^{6. Ottawa Ankle Rules (rule in or rule out the need of a XRAY for an ankle fracture #)}

^{7. Recognizing Charcot Foot Pathology} 

^{When do we immobilize the ankle and to WHAT extent?}

^{1. Bellow the knee Backslab}

^{2. Bellow the knee Circumferentially Cast}

^{3. Boot application (Diabetic vs Non Diabetic Cast Boot)}

^{When do we immobilize the knee and to WHAT extent?}

^{1. Above the knee Backslab}

^{2. Above the knee Circumferential Cast}

^{3. Zimmer Splint Application} 

^{4. G2 Hinged Brace Application} 

^{When do we restrict WEIGHT BEARING?} 

 

^{Upper Extremities} 

^{Presentation of Injury and Special Tests} 

^{1. Hawkins- Kennedy Test (Impingement Syndrome Supraspinatus)}

^{2. Empty Can/Jobe Test (Impingement Syndrome Supraspinatus)}

^{3. Neers Test (Subacrominal Impingement Test)}

^{4. Wrist Fracture VS Sprain}

• ^{Fracture Signs (pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, minimal movement , obvious deformity, weakness in hand,)}
• ^{Sprain Signs (often quick and significant swelling, can still move wrist, no deformity, some weakness in hand)}

^{5. Elbow and Humeral Fractures}

^{6. Phalen's and Tinel’s Sign (Median Nerve at the Wrist)}

^{7. Finkelstein’s Test (De Quervain’s Syndrome)}

^{When do we immobilize the wrist and to WHAT extent?}

^{1. Bellow the elbow Backslab}

^{2. Bellow the elbow Circumferentially Casting}

^{3. Wrist Brace Application}

^{When do we immobilize the elbow and to WHAT extent?}

^{1. Above the elbow Backslab}

^{2. Above the elbow Circumferential Cast}

^{3. G2 Hinged Elbow Brace Application} 

^{When do we immobilize the shoulder and to WHAT extent?}

 

*Note: This session is NOT sponsored. Registration fees go directly into covering administrative costs and the supplies/resources needed for the session.

^{To support quality continuing professional development of the Orthopedic Technology Services (OTS) and educational opportunities for health care providers, $25 from each registration fee will be donated to the HSC OTS Trust Fund.}

^{**While this workshop is open to non-NPAM members, priority registration and seats are reserved for NPAM members. There will be limited spots open for non-members.}

 

^{REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 17, 2026 end of day}

To renew or register, please see:
https://nursepractitioner.ca/membership/join-now/

Cancellation Policy: 

• Full refund if cancelled 7+ days before the event.
• 50% refund if cancelled 3–6 days before.
• No refund within 72 hours of the event, however, you may transfer your registration to someone else – please contact us at education@nursepractitioner.ca 

Cancellations and date changes due to illness or medical emergency will be considered on case-to-case basis.

NPAM has the right to cancel or reschedule course dates due to circumstances beyond our control.

Please note: If the minimum number of participants are not met, the event may be cancelled or rescheduled.