CPD courses/Cauda equina syndrome (CES) and other spinal 'red flags' 9 May 2026

  • £160

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) and other spinal 'red flags' 9 May 2026

Online course 7 hours CPD Don't miss cauda equina syndrome or any other spinal red flag for that matter! This course covers evidence based differential diagnosis, assessment and management.

Course description

The course will cover the assessment, diagnosis and management of Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) in the primary care setting, exploring the evidence base, current guidelines and challenges in managing this complex and highly litigious condition. We will also explore other common red flags, with a particular focus on spinal fracture, metastatic disease and infection, again covering evidence – based assessment and management of these conditions. We will work through specific case studies and integrate the use of appropriate imaging into these cases and presentations.


Osteopathic Practice Standards and other CPD elements covered

A) Communication and patient partnership A1, A2, A3, A4, A5

B) Knowledge, skills and performance B1, B2

C) Safety and quality in practice C1, C2, C6

D) Professionalism D10


Learning outcomes

  • Be able to appropriately identify Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES)

  • To understand the differential diagnoses for CES

  • To understand the assessment and management of CES

  • To understand the differential diagnoses for spinal fractures

  • To understand the role of imaging in the management of lumbar spine red flags

  • To explore through case studies the management of some red flag conditions


Timetable


08:45 - 09:00 Registration

09:00 - 10:30 Cauda equina syndrome

10:30 - 11:00 Coffee

11:00 - 12:00 Spinal fracture differential diagnosis

12:00 - 13:00 Lunch

13:00 - 14:30 Case studies - breakout sessions

14:30 - 15:00 Coffee

15:00 - 16:00 Lumbar Spinal imaging

16:00 - 17:00 Case studies and reflection on 4 themes of osteopathic practice standards


Recommended listening pre-course

  • Physio Matters podcast on Cauda Equina Syndrome with Chris Mercer 2019

  • MACP podcast on osteosarcoma with Laura Finucane 2020 

  • MACP Podcast on Cauda Equina Syndrome 2019 with Chris Mercer, Janene Holway, Sue Greenhalgh and Laura Finucane

  • Physio Matters podcast on Red Flags with Laura Finucane 2019

Course suitability

The course is suitable for osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors plus GP’s working in the musculoskeletal field or with an interest in the area.

Course leaders




Laura Finucane

Laura Finucane is a Consultant Physiotherapist specialising in spinal conditions in the UK. She is the education and training lead for advanced practitioners and physiotherapists ensuring clinicians maintain their competency and expertise to deliver the service for SMSKP. She has been involved in a number of national projects looking to standardize training and education for advanced roles. Laura’s special interest is in serious pathologies of the spine and she has presented nationally and internationally on this subject. She has written a number of papers related to serious pathology and teaches at a postgraduate level. She is the Vice President of IFOMPT.

Chris Mercer

Chris Mercer is a Consultant Physiotherapist working in spinal and MSK services in the NHS. He has an interest in advanced practice roles and competencies, as well as a clinical interest in serious spinal pathology. He has taught and lectured on this topic together with Laura and separately, nationally and internationally, and has published in this field. 
 He is currently working with Laura on an international research project that is developing a clinical reasoning framework for clinicians to help in the early identification of serious spinal pathologies. He has been recognised by the physiotherapy profession, being awarded Fellowships of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

FAQs

What is the cancellation policy?

The HSU- UCO School of Osteopathy regrets that no refunds can be made for cancelled places unless a substitute participant can be found.  The HSU- UCO School of Osteopathy cannot guarantee that any course will run.  In the event of your course being cancelled, all paid fees and deposits will be refunded in full.

Contents

Pre-course reading material

Course description and timetable
Session 65 - Cauda Equina Syndrome with Chris Mercer

Course handouts

Red Flags; workbook Review of the evidence 2023.pdf
Red Flags- Review of the evidence print friendly.pdf
spinal fracture mets + MSCC differentials workbook 2023.pdf
Visceral masqueraders- print friendly handouts.pdf
Masquraders - full presentation.pdf
Masquraders- print friendly handout.pdf
visceral masqueraders- full presentation.pdf
Spinal Infection-print friendly handouts.pdf
Cauda Equina for UCO April 2023.odp
Fracture differentials Jan 23.pptx
Morning overview context CES and discussion recording
Osteoporosis fractures oncology and cases recordings lectures and discussions

Online course link

Zoom link- Registration 8.45-9.00am Link to be updated a couple of days before the course

Feedback form

Feedback form

CPD certificate

This will be available to download from here after the course
Cauda Equina certificate - 9 May 2026 pdf.pdf