Nevada Chiropractic Assistant Education and Continuing Education

• Order proper diagnostic imaging for the lumbar spine
• Determine appropriate imaging for various pediatric musculoskeletal complaints
• Use plain film imaging for extremity complaints
• Determine what advanced imaging is appropriate for different extremity pathology

• Identify common causes of back pain
• Assess pro and con of different imaging modalities related to back pain
• Identify imaging features that may relate to back pain
• Develop imaging strategy for back pain

• Recognize normal bony and soft tissue anatomy of the upper cervical spine.
• Describe the direct and indirect signs of cervical trauma.
• Identify the more common mimics to cervical spine trauma.
• Summarize specific traumatic conditions affecting the upper cervical spine and their imaging findings.
• Assess which traumatic conditions of the upper cervical spine are stable, which are unstable, and how to manage each.

• Determine the diagnostic imaging findings consistent with a diagnosis of emphysema
• Discuss the plain film findings of congestive heart failure and conservative treatment options for these patients
• Determine the stage of sarcoidosis on plain film
• Identify the most common mediastinal masses of the chest
• Analyze different diagnostic imaging manifestations of pneumonia

• Point out the anatomy of the upper cervical spine and associated regional anatomy as seen on the APOM
• Identify variants of anatomy on APOM, noting if they are clinically relevant in providing Chiropractic care
• Differentially Diagnosis pathology noted in the region
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of imaging modalities for the upper cervical spine and maxillofacial region

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of patients entering the chiropractic with flu and sinusitis that may mimic musculoskeletal conditions
• Identify radiographic features of sinusitis on standard chiropractic projections and differentially diagnose from other musculoskeletal conditions
• Identify radiographic features of flu on standard chiropractic projections  and differentially diagnose from other musculoskeletal conditions
• Examine basic treatment options within chiropractic scope of practice and when to refer

• Analyze the debate between ALARA and AHARS with respect to the allowable amount of artificial radiation
• Express the cost vs. benefit of using CT, the imaging modality with the highest radiation risk
• Understand the added risk of radiation consequences in children
• Identify the different types of ionizing radiation

• Assess cervical radiographs to identify the radiographic signs of lower cervical spine trauma, recognizing which views are most diagnostic.
• Recognize, differentiate, and classify cervical hyperflexion and hyperextension injuries with respect to spinal stability.
• Identify and describe the imaging findings of neural arch trauma in the lower cervical spine.
• Discuss and categorize the complications of lower cervical spine trauma.
• Summarize the gravity as well as the evolving imaging and management protocols of penetrating neck injury.

• Identify plain film features of abdominal pathology that may present in the Chiropractic office, with an emphasis on calcifications
• Differentiate cystic from solid mass lesions
• Classify vascular calcifications
• Recognize when calcifications need immediate medical referral

• Summarize the radiographic findings of simple compression fractures and discuss how spinal biomechanics predispose to their occurrence.
• Describe the radiographic signs and sequelae of burst fractures and differentiate them from simple compression fractures.
• Identify the imaging findings of Chance type fractures and discuss their most common complications.
• Recognize the common radiographic manifestations of posterior arch trauma.
• Categorize the different types of intervertebral disc lesions and summarize their imaging findings.

• Identify imaging modalities used in sports and musculoskeletal imaging
• List indications for advanced imaging in the athlete
• Explain why imaging of the weekend “athlete” could save your practice
• Integrate imaging into treatment plans
• Assess progress of care with imaging

• Examine common orthopedic hardware on plain film and what needs to be reported
• Explain Xray findings which require Orthopedic referral and the various options
• Determine when advanced imaging is appropriate and what modality to use
• Discuss possible complications when finding orthopedic hardware

• Discuss congestive heart failure: diagnosis, imaging, and treatment
• Understand the imaging and treatment of multiple myeloma
• Understand the nature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, specifically emphysema
• Evaluate the use of DXA in the diagnosis of osteoporosis
• Determining appropriate care for patients with osteoarthritis

• Determining common geriatric conditions that need special consideration in a patient assessment
• Identifying diabetic foot complications, specifically Charcot's foot
• Analyzing bone metastasis in the elderly, specifically carcinomas
• Understanding thoracic and abdominal aorta aneurysms and aorta dissections
• Explaining pneumonia, specifically community acquired pneumonia, from a clinical perspective

• Determining the risk factors, diagnostic imaging and pathophysiology of atherosclerosis
• Assessing patient risk for developing hip fractures
• Understanding prevention and diagnosis of lung cancer
• Identifying normal anatomy of the disc and what goes wrong in degenerative disc disease
• Reviewing common orthopedic hardware found in elderly patients

• Explaining in layman’s terms the basics of cancer
• Determining prognosis when skeletal metastasis is found on plain film
• Identifying osteolytic versus osteoblastic metastasis on plain film and specifying what advanced imaging is appropriate based on the cancer’s radiographic appearance
• Exploring current literature on emerging treatment options
• Discussing pathophysiology of bone metastasis

• This contains all courses with the educational objectives listed from Xray 154 to Xray 158

Hour 1

• Describing common conditions affecting the middle aged adult, including the following: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, disc herniations, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and abdominal aortic aneurysms
• Observing diagnostic imaging related to each of the above conditions and determining the best imaging modality to use for the various conditions
• Determining appropriate prevention and ancillary treatments for the discussed conditions

Hour 2

• Analyzing obesity through assessment and intervention
• Discussing breast cancer diagnostic imaging and disease management
• Diagnosing and treating congestive heart failure
• Evaluating diagnosis and treatment options for the osteoporosis patient

• Outline the utility of bone scintigraphy in the pediatric population
• Summarize basic bone physiology & radiopharmaceutical dosing
• Discuss image acquisition and analyze scans for signs of pathology
• Identify common clinical indications for pediatric bone scintigraphy
• Recognize the various imaging phases of bone scintigraphy and their clinical utility

• Review the pathophysiology of spondylolisthesis
• Evaluate the two classifications of spondylolisthesis
• Classify transitional segments
• Determine necessity and efficacy of imaging of spondylolisthesis and transitional segments

• Differential diagnosis osteopenia and its relevance towards Chiropractic practice
• Identify imaging features of osteopenia
• Recognize ominous features of osteopenia
• Select appropriate chiropractic treatments for the osteoporotic patient

• Identify the risk factors for breast cancer – preventable and non-preventable.
• Determine appropriate diagnostic imaging for screening and breast cancer assessment.
• Investigate different CAM approaches to breast cancer prevention and symptom management.

• In plain film radiographs, identify the orthopedic hardware used to treat femur, humerus, tibia, and radius fractures.
• Discuss special situations for fracture repair, such as osteoporosis, metastasis, pediatrics, and obesity.
• Review various fracture risk assessment tools that can be used in clinical practice.
• Evaluate when various hardware such as screws, nails, and plates are utilized.

• Identifying vertebral characteristic features on plain film for the following diagnoses: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Neurofibromatosis-1, Multiple myeloma, Paget's disease of bone, and vertebral compression fractures.
• Determining what advanced imaging might be warranted for each of the vertebral conditions.
• Describing general features of each condition such as incidence, clinical presentation and treatment options.

• Determine the incidence and the characteristics of different spine pathology.
• Demonstrate, with plain film radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging, characteristics of central nervous system tumors and metastasis, syringomyelia, disc herniation, and trauma.
• Identify clinical features and treatment for various spine pathologies.

• Understand the general features of the inflammatory arthritides
• Discuss the clinical presentation, radiographic features, and chiropractic treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Discuss the clinical presentation, radiographic features, and chiropractic treatments for Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Compare the two most common inflammatory arthritides – Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis – to the other diseases in this category
• Compare the inflammatory arthritides to the most common arthritide – osteoarthritis

• Differentiate Rheumatoid Arthritis from Ankylosing Spondylitis, the two most common inflammatory arthritides.
• Differentiate Rheumatoid Arthritis from Erosive Osteoarthritis, both hand arthritides.
• Differentiate Degenerative from Inflammatory arthritis.
• Differentiate Osteoarthritis from Gout, the most common arthritide and the most common metabolic arthritide respectively.

• Learn a systematic approach to feature identification of arthritis
• Identify radiographic features of arthritis
• Develop a differential diagnosis of arthritis
• Apply knowledge to classify unknown cases

• Determine the safety of surgical clips with magnetic resonance imaging
• Examine the safety and usage of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for patients with embedded bullets or shrapnel
• Assess the major types of hip arthroplasty and the usefulness of computed tomography and plain film x-ray
• Utilize different diagnostic imaging modalities for analysis of spinal fusion
• Identify external fixators on plain film and advanced imaging

• Assess the signs of non-accidental trauma in infants.
• Identify the unique childhood fracture known as the greenstick fracture.
• Evaluate a young adult for potential cervical spine fracture after trauma.
• Determine the work-up of a middle-aged patient with a Colles’ fracture.
• Examine the osteoporosis vertebral compression fracture, and consider diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

• Discuss the anatomy of the shoulder region
• Correlate imaging findings with physical findings
• Determine necessity and efficacy of imaging for shoulder pathologies
• Apply simple and effective treatments for shoulder pathologies

Hour one:

• Discuss overall picture of degenerative conditions of the spine
• Develop a differential diagnosis for arthritic conditions of the spine
• Discuss in detail the structural components of the disc
• Learn how the components are involved in the degenerative processes.

Hour two:

• Understand the standard nomenclature
• Classify disc lesions (herniations, etc.)
• Demonstrate types of disc lesions on imaging modalities (x-ray, MRI, CT and Myelogram).

Hour three:

• Demonstrate degenerative conditions on imaging modalities (x-ray, MRI, CT and myelogram)
• Discuss in detail degenerative conditions of the neural arch components
• Describe long term effects of degeneration (stenosis, spondylolithesis)
• Discuss marrow changes associated with degenerative conditions.

• Define QC and QA
• List parameters necessary for great x-rays
• Identify tests the doctor can do tomorrow
• Describe the QC darkroom procedures
• How to comply with state and federal regulations

• Identify common causes of non-traumatic compression fracture
• Identify some uncommon causes of non-traumatic compression fracture
• Describe types of compression fracture
• Differentiate benign and malignant compression
• Integrate radiologic findings into clinical care

• Identify imaging modalities used for head and neck imaging
• List imaging modalities available for neuro imaging
• Contrast and compare CT and MRI in brain imaging
• Indicate conditions suitable for advanced imaging
• Use advanced imaging to justify treatment and referral

• Develop and consistently use a complete search pattern for abdominal radiographs.
• Link the history and physical examination findings with the radiological abnormalities to arrive at a reasonable diagnosis or differential diagnosis.
• Identify the various soft tissue calcifications within the abdomen and state their clinical relevance.
• Know the indications for referral based on abnormal abdominal radiographic findings.
• Select appropriate imaging or other diagnostic procedures based on the history and physical examination.

Hour One:

• Identify normal/abnormal anatomical structures i.e.: osseous anatomy of the cervical spine
• Identify, analyze and interpret the importance of an increase ADI
• Identify normal/abnormal anatomical soft tissue structures (i.e.: calcifications of carotid/vertebral arteries and thyroid cartilage) of the cervical spine
• Recognize the importance of specific laboratory and diagnostic studies to aid in the differential diagnosis of common radiographic findings to rule out most often seen musculoskeletal disorders of the cervical spine

Hour Two:

• Identify normal/abnormal anatomical structures i.e.: osseous anatomy of the thoracic spine
• Identify normal/abnormal anatomical soft tissue structures (costal cartilage calcifications, trachea and bronchial air shadows, heart, diaphragm, hilar region, aortic knob etc.)
• Recognize the importance of specific diagnostic studies to aid in the differential diagnosis of common radiographic findings to rule out most often seen musculoskeletal disorders of the thoracic spine

Hour Three

• Identify normal/abnormal anatomical structures i.e.: osseous anatomy of the lumbar spine and pelvis
• Identify normal/abnormal anatomical soft tissue structures i.e.: vascular calcifications like abdominal aortic aneurysm, mesenteric lymph nodes etc
• Recognize the importance of specific laboratory and diagnostic studies to aid in the differential diagnosis of common radiographic findings to rule out most often seen musculoskeletal disorders of the lumbar, lumbosacral spine and sacroiliac joints

• Systematically identify features of degenerative conditions of the spine.
• Identify and correlate x-ray findings with gross anatomy
• Distinguish types of degenerative changes of the spine
• Review gross anatomy of the spine

• Analyze the risk factors and causes of the distal radius fracture in teenagers.
• Utilize diagnostic imaging to assess the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
• Describe the risk factors leading to a poor outcome for patients with osteosarcoma.
• Evaluate the various ways Ewing sarcoma presents on x-ray.
• Differentiate ganglioneuroma from other neurogenic tumors.

• Develop and consistently use a complete search pattern for chest radiographs.
• Recognize and describe the radiological features of Interstitial disease (Infiltrative disease) of the lungs.
• Identify the various diseases that can result in Atelectasis, Consolidation, Interstitial patterns.
• Link the history and physical examination findings with the radiological abnormalities to arrive at a reasonable diagnosis or differential diagnosis.
• Discuss the indications for referral based on abnormal chest  radiographic findings.Select appropriate imaging or other diagnostic procedures based on the history and physical examination.

• Develop and consistently use a complete search pattern for chest radiographs.
• Link the history and physical examination findings with the radiological abnormalities to arrive at a reasonable diagnosis or differential diagnosis.
• Recognize the presence of hilar enlargement.
• Know the conditions that can lead to hilar enlargement.
• Recognize the presence of mediastinal masses and know the disease that can cause mediastinal mass.
• Be able to identify diaphragmatic hernias on chest radiographs Know the indications for referral based on abnormal chest radiographic findings.
• Select appropriate imaging or other diagnostic procedures based on the history and physical examination.

• Develop and consistently use a complete search pattern for chest radiographs.
• Recognize and describe the radiological features of pleural fluid.
• Recognize and describe the radiological features of pleural calcification.
• Recognize and describe the radiological features of pleural-based tumors.
• Identify the various diseases that can result in Atelectasis, Consolidation, Interstitial patterns and pleural fluid.
• Link the history and physical examination findings with the radiological abnormalities to arrive at a reasonable diagnosis or differential diagnosis.
• Know the indications for referral based on abnormal chest radiographic findings.
• Select appropriate imaging or other diagnostic procedures based on the history and physical examination.

• Execute a complete search pattern for chest radiographs.
• Recognize and identify the different patterns of chest pathology.
• Recognize the radiological features of primary lung tumors.
• Recognize various radiological features of secondary tumors of the lungs.
• Link the patient’s clinical presentation with the chest radiograph to arrive at a reasonable diagnosis or differential diagnosis.
• Make a referral based on abnormal chest radiographic findings.
• Select appropriate imaging or other diagnostic procedures based on the history and physical examination

• Identify pathology on chest radiographs 
• Recognize the radiographic signs of different chest pathologies such as Atelectasis, Consolidation, infiltrative disease, and plural disease. 
• Recognize radiological features of Pneumoconiosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary diseases. 
• Differentially diagnose based on the patient clinical presentation and chest radiographic findings. 
• Make referral based on abnormal chest radiographic findings. 
• Select appropriate imaging or other diagnostic procedures based on the history and physical examination.

• Apply a complete search pattern for chest radiographs.
• Identify the various diseases that can result in Consolidation, and Interstitial/Infiltrative disease.
• Link the history and physical examination findings with the radiological abnormalities to arrive at a reasonable diagnosis or differential diagnosis.
• Recognize and describe the radiographic signs of granulomatous disease on chest radiographs.
• Recognize and describe the abnormal radiographic signs of the common Cardiovascular diseases.
• Refer based on abnormal chest radiographic findings.

• Differentiate the presenting features of Ewing’s sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma and metastasis in the extremities.
• Determine the appropriate diagnostic imaging and identify the characteristic features of Ewing’s sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and metastasis on diagnostic imaging.
• Identify the treatment options and prognosis for patients with Ewing’s sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma or metastasis in the extremities.

• Determine how a torus fracture looks on plain film radiographs and how to manage the fracture
• Utilize the scoring criteria in the diagnosis and denoting the disease progression in the gout foot on plain film radiographs
• Describe the most common primary tumors that result in foot metastasis
• Explain the typical appearance of the rheumatoid foot on radiographs and how to assess and manage the condition
• Evaluate how to diagnose and appropriate treatment methods for the Lisfranc fracture-dislocation.

• Evaluate hand chondrosarcoma by identifying the following: diagnostic imaging features and treatment options.
• Differentiate erosive osteoarthritis from other hand osteoarthritis cases and determine how to assess and treat them.
• Identify the appearance on radiographs and treatment of the various finger dislocations.
• Discuss how diagnostic imaging can help identify disease progression and symptoms in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in the hand.
• Explain the most likely hand injuries in the child and athlete and the treatment options for each.

• Discuss the essential anatomy of the foot and ankle
• List the potential mechanisms for ankle injuries
• Identify possible fractures sites for each mechanism of injury
• Outline examples of actual clinical cases

• Discuss the pertinent anatomy of the fore, mid and rear foot
• Differentially diagnose disorders of the fore, mid and rear foot pain
• Assess examples of representative imaging cases
• Quantify and assess different imaging modalities and gauge their use in evaluating foot pain

• Discuss the pertinent anatomy of foot and ankle of adult and pediatric patient
• Take alignment measurements of the foot and ankle
• Discuss the relevance of alignment measurements to practice
• Assess imaging examples of representative cases

• Examine the appearance and use of plain film, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of bullets to the head.
• Identify Arnold-Chiari Type I malformation with magnetic resonance imaging.
• Review CT, positron emission tomography (PET), and MRI findings for cerebral bleeds.
• Evaluate stroke using different types of CT and MRI imaging.
• Discuss what to look for clinically and radiographically in cases of child abuse induced head trauma.

• Discuss the pertinent anatomy of the forearm, wrist and hand
• Differentially diagnose disorders of each location of the wrist
• Assess imaging findings of representative cases in the list of differential diagnosis
• Quantify and access different imaging modalities and gauge their use in evaluating wrist pain

• Discuss the pertinent anatomy of the forearm, wrist and hand
• Differentially diagnose disorders of each location of the wrist
• Assess imaging findings of representative cases in the list of differential diagnosis
• Quantify and access different imaging modalities and gauge their use in evaluating wrist pain

• Conduct and evidence-based assessment of the diagnostic, therapeutic and clinical utility of routine and repeat radiographs (without red flags) for the structural and functional assessment of the spine by chiropractors
• Summarize the current evidence for the use of spinal x-rays within chiropractic practice, with consideration to the related risks and benefits
• Determine if diagnostic imaging influences clinical outcomes in patients with low back pain presenting for chiropractic care
• Analyze whether an association between vertebral endplate structural defects and back pain exists
• Assess the relationship between movement-related pain in the shoulder and the number or severity of rotator cuff MRI findings

Hour 1

• Select the appropriate imaging modality for suspected foreign bodies
• Identify foreign bodies on radiographs
• Identify foreign bodies CT
• Identify foreign bodies MRI
• Identify foreign bodies Ultrasound

Hour 2

• List various indications for radiographic evaluation in relationship to specific clinical scenarios
• List various limitations for radiographic evaluation in relationship to specific clinical scenarios
• Identify fracture patterns on radiographic imaging
• Identify radiographic abnormalities within the soft tissues

 Hour 3

• List various indications for MRI and CT imaging evaluation in relationship to specific clinical scenarios
• List various limitations for MRI and CT imaging evaluation in relationship to specific clinical scenarios
• Identify osseous landmarks on MRI and CT imaging
• Identify abnormalities within the bones and soft tissues on MRI and CT imaging

 Hour 4

• List various indications for ultrasound imaging evaluation in relationship to specific clinical scenarios
• List various limitations for ultrasound imaging evaluation in relationship to specific clinical scenarios
• Identify osseous landmarks on ultrasound imaging
• Identify abnormalities within the bones and soft tissues on ultrasound imaging

• Discuss meniscus anatomy with emphasis on collagen network.
• Identify how collagen network can predict the type of tear and imaging manifestations.
• State how root ligaments are involved in injury, pain and OA.
• Correlate certain types of meniscal dysfunction to clinical presentation

• Discuss the anatomy of hip and anterior pelvis.
• Diagnose dysfunction and pathologies of the hip and anterior pelvic structures.
• Order appropriate imaging and clinically correlate findings with conditions affecting the hip and anterior pelvis conditions.

• Recite statistics relative to bone lesions.
• Utilize the global approach to recognizing bone lesions.
• Recognize parameters of classifying bone lesions.
• Discuss examples of different classes of bone lesions.

• Understand how x-rays are produced
• Prepare a patient to have an x-ray examination
• Recognize basic x-ray terminology
• Recall patient positioning and x-ray projection terms
• Recognize new advances in the radiology field
• Visualize the basic positioning of the views discussed
• Identify x-ray machine components
• Describe particular views that make up an x-ray series
• Recall general anatomy that will be seen on a certain view
• Discuss the x-ray technique of the views described

• Demonstrate the basics of a radiographic shoulder series
• Understand the positioning of the elbow joint
• Recognize possible wrist injuries based on patient history
• Recall positioning of hand, fingers and thumb radiographs
• Summarize chest x-ray basics
• Identify the views in a hip series
• Demonstrate the positioning of the knee joint in a radiographic series
• Understand the basics of ankle x-rays and injuries
• Recall the positioning for x-rays of the foot and toes
• Summarize the general anatomy of the lower extremities

• Discuss safety measurements when taking x-rays
• Review mistakes to Avoid when Taking Radiographs
• Outline tips for Taking Optimal Radiographs
• Discuss proper darkroom technique
• Address safety measurements