ABPTS OCS case studies
ABPTS OCS · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (OCS) credential is awarded by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) to licensed physical therapists who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skill in orthopaedic practice. It is intended for clinicians with substantial orthopaedic experience who want external validation of their expertise, and it is often pursued by therapists in outpatient orthopaedics, sports, and manual therapy settings, as well as by those who teach, mentor, or take on clinical leadership roles. The ABPTS OCS case studies are 5 cases and about 1,966 words.
1Thigh Pain After Hip Arthroplasty: Screening the Differential
A 72-year-old woman is 9 weeks post elective total hip arthroplasty via a posterior approach for osteoarthritis. She completed formal PT at 6 weeks and now returns with new anterior thigh pain that began insidiously 10 days ago, worse with weight-bearing and with rising from a low chair, and mildly better with rest.
422 words, about 2 min2Anterior Knee Pain in a 13-Year-Old Dancer
A 13-year-old competitive dancer presents with 3 months of bilateral anterior knee pain, right worse than left, worse with jumping and with prolonged sitting, and relieved by rest. She has grown 6 cm in the past year.
394 words, about 2 min3Post-Concussion Neck Pain and Return to Sport
A 19-year-old collegiate soccer player had a head-to-collar collision 12 days ago. She was removed from play, had a headache and dizziness that resolved over 5 days, and has been symptom-free at rest for a week.
388 words, about 2 min4Chronic Low Back Pain With High Fear and a Worker's Compensation Claim
A 44-year-old warehouse worker has had low back pain for 14 months after a lifting injury. Imaging shows a mild disc bulge without nerve root compression.
414 words, about 2 min5Ankle Sprain in a Patient on Anticoagulation
A 58-year-old man presents 2 days after an inversion ankle injury while stepping off a curb. He has lateral ankle pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight.
348 words, about 2 min