Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Physiopathology in Affectations of the Locomotor Appratus

Physiopathology in Affectations of the Locomotor Appratus
6
15561
2
First semester
FB
Basic training
Physiopathology I
Main language of instruction: Catalan

Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish

Teaching staff


Dra. CLIMENT SANZ, Carolina - ccliment@uic.es

RHEUMATOLOGY MODULE:

Dra. Carolina Climent Sanz: ccliment@uic.es

 


TRAUMATOLOGY MODULE: 

Dr. Javier Alonso-Rodríguez Piedra: jalonsorodriguez@uic.es

Dra. Montserrat Bellver Vives: mbellver@uic.es

 

Introduction

The subject Pathophysiology of Disorders of the Locomotor System consists of two modules:

Module 1: Traumatology
Module 2: Rheumatology

TRAUMATOLOGY MODULE

The Traumatology component within the subject Disorders of the Locomotor System provides the foundation for understanding how the tissue structures that make up the musculoskeletal system respond to traumatic injury, both acute and due to overload. It also establishes the basis for evaluating these pathological conditions, their treatment, and the potential role of Physiotherapy in promoting the patient’s repair and recovery process. All of this is grounded in scientific evidence, with the aim of reintegrating the patient into their usual activities as soon as possible.

RHEUMATOLOGY MODULE

The Rheumatology subject provides the foundation for understanding osteoarticular pathology of non-traumatic etiology that can benefit from physiotherapeutic treatment. Through this module, students will acquire a global perspective and general knowledge that can facilitate collaboration with other healthcare professionals, providing a comprehensive view of the patient.

Pre-course requirements

RHEUMATOLOGY MODULE

Knowledge of anatomy and function of the musculoskeletal system.

 

TRAUMATOLOGY MODULE
Have knowledge of the Structure and Function of the locomotor system

Objectives

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

  • Capacity for analysis and synthesis.

  • Decision-making.

  • Problem-solving.

  • Teamwork.

  • Critical reasoning.

  • Autonomous learning.

  • Ethical integrity and confidentiality.

RHEUMATOLOGY MODULE

  • Acquire theoretical knowledge of osteoarticular pathology of non-traumatic origin in the field of physiotherapy.

  • Understand the application of commonly used diagnostic techniques in the locomotor system.

  • Become familiar with the most frequent pharmacological therapies used in rheumatic pathology.

  • Understand the therapeutic approach to medical conditions of the locomotor system.

  • Learn about the most common surgical techniques in locomotor system surgery.

  • Become familiar with the related medical terminology.

TRAUMATOLOGY MODULE

  • Identify anatomical structures as the basis for understanding both healthy and injured patients.

  • Understand the principles of biomechanics that may cause either acute or overload-related injuries.

  • Understand the pathophysiology of acute and chronic injuries, identifying the manifestations that appear throughout the process.

  • Learn and develop physical examination by body segments in order to assess the injured patient.

  • Design a physiotherapy intervention plan based on scientific evidence, following criteria of personalization, validity, and efficiency, and identify the changes resulting from the physiotherapy intervention.

  • Gain knowledge of the specific methods and current medical-surgical treatment techniques for the most frequent locomotor system injuries, in order to apply at each stage the most appropriate physiotherapy technique to facilitate early patient recovery.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • 01 - Have the ability to analyze and synthesize.
  • 02 - The ability to organize and plan.
  • 05 - The ability to manage information.
  • 06 - To have comprehensive problem-solving skills.
  • 07 - Demonstrate decision-making skills.
  • 09 - Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
  • 10 - Develop autonomous learning skills.
  • 17 - The ability to work responsibly and autonomously, so as to handle job-related activities without the need for strict supervision.
  • 20 - Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, emphasising the dynamic interrelationship between structure and function, in particular of the musculoskeletal, the nervous and the cardiorespiratory systems.
  • 21 - Knowledge of the physiological and structural changes that can occur after physiotherapeutic interventions.
  • 22 - Knowledge of factors that affect human growth and development throughout the lifespan.
  • 27 - Knowledge of psychological and social factors that affect the health of the individual, family and community.
  • 28.1 - Capacity for oral and written communication in the native language.
  • 28.2 - Demonstrate Interpersonal skills.
  • 28.3 - Show respect, appreciation and sensitivity towards the work of others.
  • 29.1 - Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and self-improvement.
  • 30.1 - Teamwork skills.
  • 39 - Knowledge of general aspects of exogenous and endogenous diseases related to physiotherapy for all the biological systems and the corresponding medical, surgical, orthopedic and physiotherapy treatments.
  • 40 - Knowledge about, physiological, functional and behavioral changes that occur after physiotherapeutic intervention.
  • 47 - Ability to assess the patient's/client's functional status, taking into account his/her physical, psychological and social aspects.
  • 53 - The capacity to participate within the areas of health promotion and disease prevention.
  • 53.1 - The ability to design and set up activities related to disease prevention and health promotion.
  • CN03 - Describe the pathophysiology of human body diseases from the clinical perspective and the type of intervention that the physiotherapist has, demonstrating knowledge about the behavior of people, both healthy and sick, as well as the factors that influence human growth and development.

Learning outcomes of the subject

  • MAT05 - 05. Describe the different complementary examinations for traumatological, rheumatological, neurological and cardiorespiratory pathologies.

Syllabus

TRAUMATOLOGY MODULE

  1. Most frequent muscle injuries

  2. Tendon injuries

  3. Bone
      3.1. Mechanical properties
      3.2. Adaptation to loads
      3.3. Mechanism of rupture
      3.4. Types of injury
      3.5. Mechanism of fracture healing
      3.6. Diagnosis of fractures and principles of their treatment
      3.7. Factors affecting consolidation, complications
      3.8. Stress fracture

  4. Cartilage
      4.1. Mechanical properties
      4.2. Adaptation to loads
      4.3. Current treatment of cartilage injuries

  5. Locomotor system injuries
      5.1. Upper limb

  6. Shoulder
      6.1.1.1. Functional anatomy and biomechanics
      6.1.1.2. Examination (Theoretical / Practical)
      6.1.1.3. Instability
      6.1.1.4. Scapulohumeral conflicts
      6.1.1.5. Thrower’s shoulder / Swimmer’s back
      6.1.1.6. Dislocation of the shoulder girdle
      6.1.1.7. Microtraumatic injuries
      6.1.1.8. Proximal humerus, clavicle, and scapula fractures
      6.1.2. Elbow
      6.1.2.1. Functional anatomy and biomechanics
      6.1.2.2. Examination (Theoretical / Practical)
      6.1.2.3. Epicondylitis
      6.1.2.4. Epitrochleitis
      6.1.2.5. Diaphyseal and distal humerus fractures
      6.1.2.6. Proximal ulna and radius fractures
      6.1.2.7. Neurological conflicts
      6.1.3. Wrist and hand
      6.1.3.1. Functional anatomy and biomechanics
      6.1.3.2. Examination (Theoretical / Practical)
      6.1.3.3. Diaphyseal and distal ulna and radius fractures
      6.1.3.4. Neurological conflicts
      6.1.3.5. Carpal bone fractures
      6.1.3.6. Metacarpal fractures
      6.1.3.7. Carpal instability (VISI and DISI)
      6.2. Lower limb
      6.2.1. Knee
      6.2.1.1. Functional anatomy and biomechanics
      6.2.1.2. Examination (Theoretical / Practical)
      6.2.1.3. Patellofemoral syndrome
      6.2.1.4. Ligament injuries
      6.2.1.5. Central pivot (ACL and PCL)
      6.2.1.6. Meniscal injuries
      6.2.1.7. Chondral injuries
      6.2.1.8. Patella fractures
      6.2.1.9. Proximal tibia and distal femur fractures
      6.2.2. Ankle and foot
      6.2.2.1. Functional anatomy and biomechanics
      6.2.2.2. Examination (Theoretical / Practical)
      6.2.2.3. Tibiofibular-talar conflicts
      6.2.2.4. Ankle sprain
      6.2.2.5. Chronic ankle instability
      6.2.2.6. Chondral injuries
      6.2.2.7. Distal tibia and fibula fractures
      6.2.2.8. Foot fractures
      6.3. Spine
      6.3.1. Functional anatomy and biomechanics
      6.3.2. Examination (Theoretical / Practical)
      6.3.3. Spondylosis
      6.3.4. Scoliosis
      6.3.5. Facet syndrome
      6.3.6. Upper cervical spine fractures
      6.3.7. Lumbar spine fractures
      6.4. Cranial trauma
      6.5. Pelvic girdle
      6.5.1. Functional anatomy and biomechanics
      6.5.2. Examination (Theoretical / Practical)
      6.5.3. Dynamic osteopathy
      6.5.4. Snapping hip
      6.5.5. Hip in children and adolescents
      6.5.6. Early coxarthrosis
      6.5.7. Pelvic ring fractures
      6.5.8. Proximal femur fractures
      6.5.9. Acetabular fractures

  7. Traumatic locomotor system injuries in children

RHEUMATOLOGY MODULE

  • TOPIC 1: General aspects of rheumatic diseases

  • TOPIC 2: Autoimmune inflammatory diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, spondyloarthritis, vasculitis, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, inflammatory myopathies

  • TOPIC 3: Degenerative diseases (osteoarthritis)

  • TOPIC 4: Metabolic diseases (gout, osteoporosis)

  • TOPIC 5: Musculoskeletal pain syndromes (fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, central sensitization syndromes)

Teaching and learning activities

In person



TRAINING ACTIVITY METHODOLOGY ECTS CREDITS
Autonomous learning activities. Theoretical classes. Presentation method / lecture. Problem-solving exercises. 6

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



Systems and general criteria for the evaluation of the pathophysiology of locomotor system disorders

To pass the subject Disorders of the Locomotor System, students must pass each of the modules that constitute the course, namely the Traumatology module and the Rheumatology module. The final grade will be the weighted average of the grades obtained in each module, with a minimum score of 5 out of 10 required.

TRAUMATOLOGY MODULE

  1. Midterm multiple-choice exam of 20 questions (30% of the grade).

  2. Final multiple-choice exam of 30 questions (70% of the grade).

RHEUMATOLOGY MODULE

  1. Midterm multiple-choice exam of 20 questions (30% of the grade).

  2. Final multiple-choice exam of 30 questions (70% of the grade).

The final grade for each module will be obtained from the combination of the midterm and the final exam.

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 22/01/2026 A16 08:00h
  • E1 22/01/2026 A14 08:00h
  • E2 18/06/2026 A14 12:00h
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