(Designed for General Practitioners to Confidently Manage Joint, Bone & Autoimmune Conditions in OPD Practice)
🔹 Duration: 3 Months
🔹 Mode: 100% Online (Clinical Video Lectures + Case Studies + Protocol PDFs + Assessments)
🔹 Eligibility: MBBS, BDS, BHMS, BAMS, BUMS, BNYS, BEMS, Physiotherapists, Doctor of Pharmacy
🎯 Course Objective:
This course aims to empower clinicians with the knowledge and skills to diagnose, evaluate, and manage common musculoskeletal, orthopedic, and autoimmune rheumatological conditions encountered in primary care and OPD settings. It includes pharmacological protocols, red flag identification, and when to refer to a specialist.
📚 Syllabus: 10 Structured Clinical Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Rheumatology and Orthopedics
Basic anatomy of joints, bones, and connective tissues
Musculoskeletal history taking and joint examination
Overview of autoimmune diseases and degenerative disorders
Clinical approach to joint pain and backache
Module 2: Osteoarthritis and Degenerative Joint Disorders
Pathophysiology, symptoms, and stages of osteoarthritis
Knee, hip, and spine involvement
Non-surgical management and lifestyle modifications
Pharmacological management: NSAIDs, supplements, injections
Module 3: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Arthritis
Diagnostic criteria and red flag features
Differentiation from other joint disorders
Lab tests: RF, anti-CCP, ESR, CRP
Pharmacology: DMARDs, biologics, steroids
Module 4: Spondyloarthropathies and Back Pain Syndromes
Ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis
Lower back pain – mechanical vs inflammatory
Imaging: MRI spine, X-ray pelvis and SI joints
Exercises, posture correction, pharmacotherapy
Module 5: Gout and Crystal Arthropathies
Uric acid metabolism and acute gouty arthritis
Chronic tophaceous gout and joint deformities
Dietary triggers and preventive strategies
Drug management: colchicine, allopurinol, febuxostat
Module 6: Autoimmune Rheumatological Conditions
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren’s syndrome
Vasculitis, scleroderma, and polymyositis basics
Skin signs, joint involvement, renal considerations
Diagnostic profiles (ANA, dsDNA, ENA panel)
Module 7: Common Orthopedic Conditions in OPD
Fracture assessment and conservative care
Tendinitis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow
Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, carpal tunnel syndrome
Rehabilitation and physiotherapy protocols
Module 8: Pharmacology in Rheumatology and Bone Health
NSAIDs, corticosteroids, DMARDs, immunosuppressants
Calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates
Intra-articular injections – protocols and precautions
OPD-based medication safety and monitoring
Module 9: Clinical Case Discussions
Case 1: Middle-aged woman with joint stiffness and fatigue
Case 2: Elderly male with chronic knee pain and deformity
Case 3: Young adult with inflammatory back pain
Case 4: Acute monoarthritis with raised uric acid
Management strategies with flowcharts
Module 10: OPD Practice Essentials, Prevention & Certification
Joint preservation counseling
Lifestyle and dietary advice for bone/joint health
When to refer to ortho or rheumatology specialists
Final evaluation + downloadable OPD guide + Certificate
✅ Certification Outcome:
By the end of the course, clinicians will:
✔ Confidently differentiate between degenerative and inflammatory joint conditions
✔ Prescribe appropriate medications and supplements
✔ Advise on joint preservation and lifestyle changes
✔ Identify referral-worthy red flags and emergencies