Step 2 Live Course - Interventional Spasticity Management Applications

April 25-26, 2025
Rosemont, IL

This two-day course is an intensive, hands-on program that will elevate the attendee’s knowledge and skills in the evaluation and management of spasticity and other forms of muscle overactivity. Strategies to differentiate and identify patterns of presentation and different focal and regional interventions that include neurolytic agents, neurotoxins and intrathecal medications will be discussed. World class faculty will guide small groups during hands-on training sessions. Upon completion of this course, attendees should be capable of planning and executing these procedures with a higher degree of confidence and efficiency.

Directors and Faculty

(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Directors

Alberto Esquenazi, MD, FAAPMR and Michael F. Saulino, MD, PhD, FAAPMR

Faculty

Kristin E. Caldera, DO
Reza Farid, MD
Shivani Gupta, DO
Ryan C. Hafner, MD
Kimberly Heckert, MD
Daniel Moon, MD, MS
Marilyn S. Pacheco, MD
Mary E. Russell, DO, MS
Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD

Learning Objectives

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and apply interventional techniques for management of upper and lower extremity spasticity patterns
• Utilize ultrasound, EMG and electrical stimulation guidance to perform focal chemodenervation techniques
• Identify and apply interventional techniques for management of spasticity with intrathecal baclofen therapy
• Describe various imaging techniques to troubleshoot intrathecal delivery systems

AAPM&R Code of Conduct for In-Person Meetings and Events  

Agenda

(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Friday, April 25

7-8 am                          Registration / Breakfast Available

8-8:15 am                     Welcome and Introduction

8:15-8:45 am                Incidence and Presentation Based on Diagnosis

8:45-9:15 am                Focal Interventional Treatment Considerations

9:15-10:15 am              Hands-On Skills Training: Session 1

10:15-10:30 am            Break

10:30-11:30 am            Hands-On Skills Training: Session 2

11:30 am-12:30 pm      Hands-On Skills Training: Session 3

12:30-1:30 pm              Lunch

1:30-2 pm                     Case-based Discussion: Diplegic Cerebral Palsy Leading to Lower Extremity
                                        Neurolysis

2-3 pm                          Hands-On Skills Training: Session 4

3-3:15 pm                     Break

3:15-4:15 pm                Hands-On Skills Training: Session 5

4:15-5 pm                    Case-based Discussion: Spinal Cord Injury Paraplegia Leading to Intrathecal
                                       Baclofen Therapy

5-5:15 pm                     Review of the Day - Q&A


Saturday, April 26

7:15-8 am                      Breakfast Available

8-9 am                           Hands-On Skills Training: Session 6

9-10 am                         Hands-On Skills Training: Session 7

10-10:15 am                  Break

10:15-11:15 am             Hands-On Skills Training: Session 8

11:15-11:45 am             Case-based Discussion: Hemiplegic Stroke Leading to Upper Extremity
                                         Chemodenervation

11:45 am-12:15 pm      Case-based Discussion: Multiple Sclerosis Quadriparesis Leading to Intrathecal
                                         Baclofen Disruption

12:15-1:15 pm               Lunch

1:15-3 pm                      Focused Skills Training Sessions

3-3:15 pm                      Break

3:15-4:45 pm                 Focused Skills Training Sessions (Continued)

4:45-5 pm                      Debriefing with Q&A

Hands-on Skills Training Sessions

Friday afternoon and Saturday morning will focus on:

• Pump refill with visual / palpation techniques as well as drug preparation
• Pump basic and advanced programming
• Catheter port access with visual / palpation techniques
• Lumbar puncture on a simulation model 
• Ultrasound guidance for reservoir and catheter access port
• Radiographic review of pump troubleshooting techniques
• Upper and lower limb muscle identification focusing on commonly encountered patterns with simulated injections on simulation models
• Ultrasound guidance for upper and lower limb muscle and nerve localization
• Upper and lower limb nerve localization with electrical stimulation

Focused Skills Training

Saturday afternoon will feature a focused training sessions covering unusual chemodenervation and neurolytic techniques when severe deformities are present (toxin dilution and volume adjustment to optimize effect, motor point vs nerve block, individual finger flexor fascicles, and importance of toe flexors on gait improvement) and cervical dystonia treatment with ultrasound guided muscle identification and simulated injections.

Agenda Breakdown

• Up to 15.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ — MOC approved! 
• 6 dynamic lectures and case-based discussions
• 11 hours of hands-on, diagnostic and interventional procedures

Air Travel

As an option, air travel reservations may be made by calling TruTravel Solutions, the official travel partner for AAPM&R.

Jennifer Schaller
Direct line: 312-224-7048
Email: jennifer@tru-trav.com

Saira Flores
Direct line: 312-224-8365
Email: saira@tru-trav.com

TruTravel Solutions hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm (Central Time). TruTravel Solutions charges a $25 per ticket transaction fee.

Course Check-In

Course check-in will be on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 7-8 am where course badges will be provided. 

Meals

Breakfast items and lunch will be served on both days of the course.

Attire

Attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably. Scrubs are not required.

Cancellation and Change Policy

All cancellations for the Interventional Spasticity Management Applications Course must be submitted in writing via email to education@aapmr.org or via mail postmarked by March 14, 2025 to: 

American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Attention: Education Department
9700 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 200
Rosemont, IL 60018

We look forward to your participation! Please contact education@aapmr.org with any questions.

Registration

This course is Step 2 of the STEP Interventional Spasticity Certificate Program. To attend the course you must register for the full STEP program. A la carte registration for this course is not available. Click here to view program details and to register for the STEP program.

Thank You to Our Exhibit Sponsor!