Activity Information

Rheum2Learn 2.0 is case-based fundamental clinical rheumatology education for residents. Each interactive activity includes three patient cases that focus on the care and assessment of individuals with rheumatologic diseases. 

In this activity, learn how to complete a thorough musculoskeletal examination of the hand, shoulder and back.  Participants will learn all about MSK exams, from recognizing physical examination findings in common rheumatic diseases to demonstrating an appropriate joint examination, and more.

This activity is part of a series. See the other activities in the series below.

• Rheum2Learn 2.0: Crystalline Arthritis
• Rheum2Learn 2.0: Infectious Arthritis
• Rheum2Learn 2.0: Inflammatory Myopathies
• Rheum2Learn 2.0: Osteoporosis
• Rheum2Learn 2.0 Osteoarthritis
• Rheum2Learn 2.0: Pediatric Rheumatology
• Rheum2Learn 2.0: Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Rheum2Learn 2.0: Sjögren’s Disease
• Rheum2Learn 2.0: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Rheum2Learn 2.0: Systemic Sclerosis
• Rheum2Learn 2.0: Systemic Vasculitis
• Rheum2Learn 2.0: Rheumatic Manifestations of Systemic Disease

Target Audience

Residents in training who may provide care for patients with rheumatic diagnoses in primary care, inpatient, critical care, and other clinical contexts.

The activity may also be of interest to medical students, fellows in training, advanced practice providers, practicing physicians, and other health care professionals who seek to strengthen their clinical knowledge of rheumatic diseases.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Recall the joints of the hand.
• Demonstrate a physical examination of the hand, utilizing key exam maneuvers to identify common hand pathologies.
• Recognize key physical exam features of the hand seen in osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Review common etiologies of shoulder pain.
• Outline the muscles of the rotator cuff and locate them anatomically.
• Describe the physical exam maneuvers required to examine the shoulder joint.
• Perform a focused history of a patient with low back pain.
• Review and identify physical examination maneuvers suggestive of radiculopathy.
• Develop a differential diagnosis for common causes of lower back pain.
• Recognize clues suggestive of systemic illness or major structural pathologies.
• Identify low back pain imaging counseling techniques for informed, shared decision-making.

CE & MOC Information

This activity is not eligible for CME/MOC.

CME & Acknowledgement of Commercial Support

No commercial support was provided for this activity.

Educational Activity Policies

See ACR educational activity policies, including the online enduring activity refund policy.