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.
Meet the Faculty
Learn from our Sonographer Faculty and our MSK Faculty, combining scanning expertise with musculoskeletal clinical insight.
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.