A Model of Orthopaedic Dysfunction for Clinical Decision Making in Physical Therapy Practice

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Abstract
This article describes a model of orthopaedic dysfunction that we use as a framework for our advanced master's degree orthopaedic and sports curriculum at the MGH Institute of Health Professions.1 This model is offered as an alternative to the traditional medical model that focuses on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. The purpose of the model of orthopaedic dysfunction is to provide a hypothetical rationale to explain the cause and effects of soft tissue dysfunction.1 The purpose of this article is to present the model of orthopaedic dysfunction as a clinical decision-making tool. The model can be used to analyze the etiology of dysfunction, which may contribute to the development of a body of knowledge relevant to the profession of physical therapy. This model of orthopaedic dysfunction was developed because we believe a key quality of the clinician is to demonstrate clinical judgment substantiated by current theory and science.

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