The Course in Instrumental and Lab Tests for Arthropathies is designed to train rheumatologists, physiatrists, orthopedists, general practitioners, sports medicine physicians, and radiologists by deepening their clinical-instrumental understanding of rheumatologic diseases.
The aim of the course is to train and update medical professionals interested in osteoarticular pathologies.
Particular focus is placed on diagnostic assessment and interventional procedures, including joint aspiration (arthrocentesis), synovial biopsy with histological evaluation, and synovial fluid analysis.
The Course in Instrumental and Lab Tests for Arthropathies includes the acquisition of cross-disciplinary skills in the clinical-diagnostic evaluation of patients with rheumatologic diseases involving the joints.
The course provides specific expertise in identifying the pathophysiological mechanisms of joint diseases, recognizing and evaluating early clinical signs, using instrumental diagnostics, and promoting multidisciplinary collaboration for conditions that require the involvement of multiple specialties—particularly multifactorial diseases.
The Course in Instrumental and Lab Tests for Arthropathies targets medical specialists such as rheumatologists, physiatrists, orthopedists, general practitioners, sports medicine doctors, and radiologists.
This training program can be valuable in introducing physicians from different backgrounds to diagnostic tools and procedures that enhance the diagnostic accuracy of both early-stage inflammatory diseases and degenerative disorders.
Graduates of the course may find employment in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and/or university-affiliated healthcare institutions.
The courses offered during the program are as follows:
MODULE 1 – Pathological Anatomy
Anatomy of joint structures and pathological processes affecting the joint.
MODULE 2 – Diagnostic Imaging
Overview of instrumental investigations useful for the diagnostic assessment of joint diseases.
X-ray: evaluation of joint bone structures. Definition of the characteristics and distribution of manifestations of inflammatory/degenerative joint diseases affecting cartilage and bone tissue.
Computed Tomography (CT): high-resolution evaluation of bone. Cross-sectional imaging assessment of bone structures. Demonstrations of the technique and illustrations of pathological conditions; indications for CT-guided procedures for arthrocentesis and injections in specific sites.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): evaluation of early disease forms and inflammatory damage. Imaging assessment of joint structures in all planes and axes. Highly sensitive, useful for studying anatomically complex areas.
Ultrasound: evaluation of joint and periarticular soft tissues and very early alterations in rheumatologic diseases. Essential for interventional/invasive approaches such as injections and arthrocentesis, especially in small joints and peritendinous sites.
MODULE 3 – Bone Densitometry
Assessment of bone involvement both in inflammatory conditions and in demineralization, as well as in differential diagnosis.
MODULE 4 – Pathological Basis for Therapeutic Planning
Synovial joint biopsy and liquid biopsy (synovial fluid analysis).
The Course in Instrumental and Lab Tests for Arthropathies is delivered through a mix of teaching formats.
The first format consists of in-person lectures covering anatomy, rheumatologic pathology, and instrumental diagnostics.
The second includes clinical internships with hands-on practice on patients and cadavers.
The third format consists of lab-based training, particularly focused on synovial fluid analysis.
Throughout the course, participants will attend scheduled clinical and laboratory sessions at affiliated facilities.
The general ranking of merit for the academic year 2026/27 will be published on the Italian page of this Course according to the timing provided in the Call.
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FAQ
The course includes in-person lectures held at the teaching hall of the Rheumatology Unit at the University Hospital of Padua.
Lectures will take place on Friday afternoons, twice a month.
Hands-on clinical internships with patients and lab sessions will be scheduled on dates announced at the beginning of the course.
The lab portion includes being able to analyse a sample of synovial liquid and interpret its results.
It includes procedures such as joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) and ultrasound-guided injections, which are highly useful in clinical practice.