The role of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the diagnosis of Upper limb problems
Details of the assessment task(s):
This critical written account evaluates the use of MSK ultrasound in the Upper limb.
In this assignment discuss the uses and limitations of ultrasound based on the critical evaluation of current and relevant literature. Work should cover a description of ultrasound findings, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of common pathologies of the Upper limb.
This should include but is not limited to: medical and ethical considerations and the implications for patient management.
1. Clinical indications/justification for scanning (do not spend too long on this section but include enough detail to illustrate clinical indications for scanning and which conditions can be scanned).
2. Relevant ultrasound anatomy, e.g. location, size, shape, appearance/characteristics (this should not be a description of scanning protocol, more an understanding of relevant anatomical structures on ultrasound).
3. Interpretation of pathological findings (these findings will allow you to show a level of understanding of the changes that are seen and how these correlate to a range of diagnoses – this should be supported by critical evaluation of current literature).
4. Clinical/management implications of findings (show clearly how ultrasound imaging findings may affect clinical management decisions such as referral for treatment/further imaging or investigations).
5. Critique of ultrasound practices and limitations of ultrasound (demonstrate your skills in critical thinking by reflecting on the importance of diagnostic confidence by understanding the benefits and limitations of ultrasound – this again should be supported by critical evaluation of the current literature).
8. Demonstrate a critical awareness of safe and ethical ultrasound practice aligned to national9. Critically reflect on, and evaluate your own professional practice and case management in ultrasound examination in the context of current research and new developments.
