Musculoskeletal System Disorders

Problems/Case Studies

"Ellen's Choice: Can Alternative/Complementary Medicine Make a Difference?". Elizabeth Harper, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
This case encourages students to explore various aspects of alternative and complementary medicine that might be helpful in treating a woman who is suffering from scoliosis.
The case was developed for use in a variety of settings, ranging from an introductory anatomy and physiology course to a general health class where there is an interest in alternative/complementary medicine.


"Kim Davis - Can A Genetic Disease Be Cured? A Mother's Dilemma". Michael S. Hudecki, University at Buffalo. State University of New York at Buffalo’s National Center for Case Study Teaching.
In this discussion case, parents must decide whether or not to enroll their sons in an experimental treatment program designed to alleviate the symptoms of muscular dystrophy. The case explores the genetics and physiology of the disease as well as the issues involved with pharmaceutical research.
The case has been used in both majors’ and non-majors’ biology courses.


"Kyptonite in His Pocket?".  Richard Donham.
Thinking Toward Solutions:  Problem-Based Learning Activities for General Biology.  Allen, D. E. and Duch, B. J. (1998).   New YorkSaunders College Publishing.
Greg LeMond, US cycling champion’s hunting accident and full recovery.  He eventually retired suffering from mitochondrial myopathy, a form of muscular dystrophy.  Students investigate the disease and the ultimate inability to perform.  Questions also direct students to compare unaffected muscle cells to those that are affected with mitochondrial myopathy.
Available in PBL resource cabinet