MSK
3 days
MSK Ultrasound Course (Upper Limb)
(Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist & Hand)
ACEM, ACRRM, AOA, RACGP
Course highlights
- Upper limb scanning – Shoulder, elbow, wrist & hand.
- Hands-on practice – Scan real patient models with expert guidance.
- Expert-led training – Learn from experienced MSK sonographers.
- Optimised scanning techniques – Improve accuracy & image quality.
- Hands-on training with state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment.
Course Dates
Description
This sonographer-led three-day program is designed for healthcare professionals with an interest in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound focused on the upper limb, covering the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand.
The course emphasises a structured scanning approach that can be applied to assess common MSK presentations in the upper limb, such as rotator cuff injuries and tendon issues, using either protocol-driven methods or in response to specific clinical questions. You will build on your existing knowledge to develop the skills necessary for conducting a basic sonographic assessment of the upper limb, while learning practical tips to enhance your everyday scanning.
Hands-on training is delivered in small group sessions using a range of high-quality ultrasound equipment and real volunteer models, ensuring ample scanning time under the guidance of our experienced MSK sonographers.
What you’ll learn
- Build a strong foundation in MSK ultrasound scanning for the upper limb.
- Refine your scanning techniques to improve accuracy and efficiency.
- Identify normal and common pathological MSK anatomy, including bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, bursae, and muscles.
- Recognise and minimise ultrasound artefacts, such as anisotropy, to enhance image clarity.
- Apply sonographic best practices for safe, consistent, and high-quality MSK imaging.
- Practise optimal patient positioning for both static and dynamic scanning assessments.
Real-world applications
- Contribute to comprehensive musculoskeletal assessments through high-quality ultrasound imaging
- Support multidisciplinary care in settings such as sports medicine, rehabilitation, emergency, and general practice.
- Gain insight into how ultrasound findings are used to inform further clinical evaluation and management.
- Understand the role of ultrasound in evidence-based musculoskeletal imaging.
Who should attend?
- Sport and Exercise Physician
- Rheumatologist
- Orthopaedic Surgeon
- General Practitioner
- Emergency Medicine Physician
- Rehabilitation Physician
- Physiotherapists
- Sonographer
- Radiologist
- Rural Generalist
- Rural Medicine Physician
- Junior House Officer
- Senior House Officer
Objectives
The objectives of this musculoskeletal ultrasound course are:
- Develop practical skills to recognise normal and pathological musculoskeletal sono-anatomy of the upper limb including bone, joints, tendon, ligament, common nerves, bursae and muscle recognition.
- Explore positioning techniques for static and dynamic assessment of the upper limb related to ultrasound.
- Discuss safe practice, hygiene, and recognition of potential pitfalls in MSK ultrasound including machine optimisation.
- Identify ultrasound artefacts (particularly anisotropy) and apply optimisation techniques to help reduce ultrasound artefacts.
- Learn to recognise basic pathologies and their clinical relevance.
Prerequisites
The prior ultrasound experience assumed for this course is highlighted below.
| None/Minimal | Don’t use ultrasound |
| Limited | Use ultrasound weekly/monthly |
| Moderate/Experienced | Use ultrasound daily/weekly |
Accreditation
ACEM
Approved for Educational Activities 23.75 hours.
ACRRM
This course is approved for 20.75 total activity hours. PDP units: 9.45 Educational Activity, 9.15 Performance Review. MOPS points: 18 Radiology. Grant eligibility: Anaesthetics, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics, Surgery.
AOA
18 CPD points.
RACGP
CPD Approved Activity under RACGP 2023-25 CPD program. Approved for Educational Activities 7.5 hours, Reviewing Performance 14.5 hours, specific requirements diagnostic radiology. Provider Number 214288, Activity ID 410514.
HOURS
| Theoretical | 6.5 |
| Practical | 13 |
| Total | 19.5 |
CATERING
Morning tea, a light lunch and refreshments are provided each day.