About the PASSOR Spinal Procedures Workshop (SPW) Series

2008 PASSOR Spinal Procedures Workshop Series Structure

The PASSOR Spinal Procedures Workshop series is designed to enable participants to evaluate the potential for integrating these procedures in their practices. Physicians who complete the series as designated will clearly understand the indications, techniques, anatomy, risks, and benefits involved in using these procedures.

The PASSOR Spinal Procedures Workshop series is organized in three levels. Mastery of the skills introduced in each course is necessary to safely progress to the next.

The 2008 calendar includes two sessions each for the introductory and intermediate workshops, and one session for the advanced workshop. See course descriptions for detailed curriculum.

• SP 101 – Introduction to Lumbar Spinal Procedures, is offered first in February and then again in September.

• SP 201 – Intermediate Spinal Procedures, is offered first in February and then again in September.

• SP 301 – Advanced Spinal Procedures, is offered as a freestanding workshop in June.

Please Note: Advanced course SP 301 is recommended ONLY for those who have extensive experience with fluoroscopically guided injections or those who have completed BOTH SP 101 (or Phase I) and SP 201 (or Phase II).

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this program, each participant will be able to:

• Interpret patient history, physical examination, and radiographic findings to develop a differential diagnosis of a patient’s spine pathology

• Develop an appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for spine and radicular pain

• Demonstrate a skill for performing the spinal procedures discussed in the lectures and workshops

• Identify the risks and benefits of each procedure, as well as prevention, assessment, and treatment of potential complications

Participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the PASSOR Educational Guidelines for the Performance of Spinal Injection Procedures prior to attending the course. Please download the PDF file from the link below:

www.aapmr.org/passor/attachmt/edguidelines.pdf

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Course Outlines

SP 101 – Introductory Workshop (February and September 2008)

Designed for physicians with little or no previous experience in fluoroscopically guided spinal procedures, SP 101 is limited to the lumbopelvic region and includes:

• Introduction to fluoroscopy, including radiation safety

• Introduction to needle placement and bevel control

• Lumbar interlaminar epidural injections

• Sacroiliac intra-articular injections

• Caudal epidural injections

SP 201 – Intermediate Workshop (February and September 2008)

This course is designed for physicians experienced in general lumbosacral procedures who seek to improve proficiency in administering diagnostic and therapeutic injections in the lumbar region. Prerequisite: Completion of SP 101 or Phase I, or experience in general lumbosacral procedures. SP 201 includes:

• Lumbar transforaminal epidural injections

• Lumbar zygapophysial joint injections

• Lumbar medial branch and dorsal ramus blocks

• Lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy

SP 301 – Advanced Workshop (June 2008)

The advanced course is intended for physicians with extensive experience in lumbar procedures. Training in discography is a new feature of the advanced course. Prerequisite: Completion of SP 101 or Phase I and SP 201 or Phase II, or extensive experience in lumbar procedures. SP 301 includes:

• Lumbar discography

• Cervical intra-articular zygapophysial joint injections

• Cervical diagnostic medial branch blocks

• Cervical medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy

Additional workstations included in all courses:

Each course will feature physical examination techniques to complement the injection technique demonstrations, as well as lectures and roundtable discussions specific to the procedures taught. The final rotation will provide attendees with 45 minutes of open lab time and a 45 minute panel discussion.

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Accreditation

The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AAPM&R designates each of these educational activities for a maximum of 12.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Completion of these courses does not imply or confer any specific skill or level of expertise in the medical field.

For Additional Information:

PASSOR
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 2500
Chicago, Illinois 60611-7617
Tel: (312) 464-9700
Fax: (312) 464-0227
E-mail: elightfoot@aapmr.org

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