CQUniversity Unit Profile
MEDS13007 Musculoskeletal Sonography
Musculoskeletal Sonography
All details in this unit profile for MEDS13007 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit introduces you to the principal theory in musculoskeletal sonography with opportunity for lab activities designed to enhance your learning. In this unit you will apply your knowledge of detailed relational anatomy and pathophysiology, and correlate this with new knowledge on sonographic appearance, scanning orientation and scanning skills relevant to the musculoskeletal system. You will demonstrate understanding of the clinical indication of musculoskeletal ultrasound, applying clinical reasoning in planning for the scanning protocol for each individual patient and implementing patient care and safety in performing musculoskeletal sonography. You will interpret static and dynamic musculoskeletal sonographic imaging and create a provisional diagnostic report as well as explaining differential diagnosis and alternative diagnostic studies based on the clinical information.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisites: MEDS12001 Physics of Ultrasound AND MEDS12003 Superficial Structures in Ultrasound ANDMEDS12004 Sonographic Skills Development 1.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2023

Brisbane
Mackay
Melbourne
Perth
Sydney

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Reflective Practice Assignment
Weighting: 40%
2. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 60%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Unit Coordinator reflection, Moodle logs and CQUSuccess data

Feedback

Some students had poor engagement with the unit content until immediately before an assessment item was due.

Recommendation

Consider modifying timing of lab (scanning) sessions to ensure early and regular engagement with the learning content.

Feedback from SUTE Unit Report and student communication.

Feedback

Some students felt the lectures are too textbook-oriented and would like to have more real-world applications included.

Recommendation

Adjust the lectures to include more explanation on theoretic contents and their clinical relevance, as well as clinical stories, scanning tips and examples of the unit coordinator's own experience. This may increase the authenticity of the learning experience.

Feedback from SUTE Unit Report and Unit Coordinator reflection

Feedback

Some students felt confused about the referencing and academic integrity requirement, even though an ALC workshop and learning resources had been provided at the beginning of term.

Recommendation

Provide more specific explanation on the assessment tasks with more exemplars.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Correlate relational anatomy of musculoskeletal structures with standard static and dynamic sonographic imaging.
  2. Describe clinical indications relevant to sonographic musculoskeletal examinations, patient care and safety considerations, and alternative musculoskeletal diagnostic studies that can be performed.
  3. Critically acquire sonographic imaging of musculoskeletal structures, including image optimisation, using a systematic protocol in a simulated environment.
  4. Interpret static and dynamic musculoskeletal sonographic imaging of normal anatomy and imaging demonstrating variants, artefacts, pathology or injury to create a provisional diagnostic report.

The learning outcomes for this unit have been linked to:

ASAR Required Graduate Competency Outcomes for General Sonography Accreditation Standards 1.2.

1,2,3,4, 5 and 9

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 40%
2 - Online Quiz(zes) - 60%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Edition: 3rd (2018)
Authors: Jacobson, Jon A.
Elsevier
Atlanta Atlanta , Georgia , United States
ISBN: 9780323445252
Binding: Paperback
Prescribed

Illustrated Essentials of Musculoskeletal Anatomy

Edition: 6th (2019)
Authors: Sieg and Adams
Megabooks, Incorporated
Gainesville Gainesville , FL , United States
ISBN: 9780935157116
Binding: Spiral
Supplementary

Clinical Ultrasound

Edition: 3rd (2011)
Authors: Allan, Paul
Churchill Livingstone
United States
ISBN: 9780702031311
Binding: eBook
Supplementary

Diagnostic ultrasound

Edition: 4th (2011)
Authors: Rumack, Carol M.
Elsevier/Mosby
Philadelphia Philadelphia , PA , United States
ISBN: 0323053971
Binding: Hardcover

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Webcam and headset for on-line sessions.
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Elaine Wang Unit Coordinator
e.wang@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Introduction to musculoskeletal ultrasound;

Calf 

Chapter

Jacobson JA. Fundamentals of musculoskeletal ultrasound e-book 3rd Ed: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2017. Chap 1, pp1-15; Chap 8, pp350-351, 386-387.

Additional content will be provided via lectures and eReading list.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lab induction to be completed on-line.

MSK lab 1 on Wednesday

Drop-in session at 7pm AEST on Wednesday

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Elbow

Chapter

Jacobson (3rd Ed): Chap 4, pp127-158.

Additional content will be provided via lectures and eReading list.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial at 7pm AEST on Wednesday

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Shoulder

Chapter

Jacobson (3rd Ed): Chap 3, pp55-125.

Additional content will be provided via lectures and eReading list.

Events and Submissions/Topic

MSK lab 2 on Wednesday

Drop-in session at 7pm AEST on Wednesday

Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Shoulder

Chapter

Jacobson (3rd Ed): Chap 3, pp55-125.

Additional content will be provided via lectures and eReading list.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial at 7pm AEST on Wednesday

Week 5 Begin Date: 03 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Knee

Chapter

Jacobson (3rd Ed): Chap 7, pp284-327.

Additional content will be provided via lectures and eReading list.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Drop-in session at 7pm AEST on Wednesday

Be aware of the time changing as daylight saving ends on 2 April 2023

Vacation Week Begin Date: 10 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

No tutorial or drop-in session

Week 6 Begin Date: 17 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Wrist and hand

Chapter

Jacobson (3rd Ed): Chap 5 , pp168-222 .

Additional content will be provided via lectures and eReading list.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Quiz 1 due: Friday 11:00-13:00 AEST

Zoom tutorial at 7pm AEST on Wednesday

Week 7 Begin Date: 24 Apr 2023

Module/Topic

Ankle and Foot

Chapter

Jacobson (3rd Ed): Chap 8 , pp328-350, 352-386, 387- 401.

Additional content will be provided via lectures and eReading list.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Drop-in session at 7pm AEST on Wednesday.

Week 8 Begin Date: 01 May 2023

Module/Topic

Hip and Thigh

Chapter

Jacobson (3rd Ed): Chap 6, pp223-237, 239 -247, 249 -276.

Additional content will be provided via lectures and eReading list.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial at 7pm AEST on Wednesday

Week 9 Begin Date: 08 May 2023

Module/Topic

Abdominal Wall

Chapter

Jacobson (3rd Ed): Chap 6, pp237-239, 276-280

Additional content will be provided via lectures and eReading list.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Reflective Practice Assignment submission via Feedback Fruits platform due: Monday 16:00 AEST

Drop-in session at 7pm AEST on Wednesday.

Week 10 Begin Date: 15 May 2023

Module/Topic

Peripheral Nerve Entrapment

Chapter

Jacobson (3rd Ed): Chap 4, pp158-166; Chap 5, pp203-210; Chap 6, pp271-273; Chap 7, pp320-321; Chap 8, pp398-401

Additional content will be provided via lectures and eReading list.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Reflective Practice Assignment final submission due: Thursday 16:00 AEST

Zoom tutorial at 7pm AEST on Wednesday

Week 11 Begin Date: 22 May 2023

Module/Topic

Small Joints Diseases

Chapter

Jacobson (3rd Ed): Chap 4, pp141-149; Chap 5,pp189-195; Chap 7,pp 300-309 & 313; Chap 8,pp352-363.

Additional content will be provided via lectures and eReading list.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Drop-in session at 7pm AEST on Wednesday

Week 12 Begin Date: 29 May 2023

Module/Topic

Pathology of Musculoskeletal System

Chapter

Jacobson (3rd Ed): Chap 2 , pp16-53 .

Additional content will be provided via lectures and eReading list.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Zoom tutorial at 7pm AEST on Wednesday

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 05 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Quiz 2 due: Tuesday 11:00-13:00 AEST

Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Jun 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

Your unit coordinator for this unit is Elaine Wang. Elaine works for CQUniversity on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Elaine is based at Sydney campus and can be reached via email at e.wang@cqu.edu.au .


This unit covers the sonographic assessment of musculoskeletal structures. To undertake sonographic musculoskeletal assessments, it is important to have a deep understanding of the relative anatomy of the structures to be demonstrated. An understanding of the relational anatomy of musculoskeletal structures is assumed in this unit. To allow you to refresh your anatomical knowledge (covered in year 1 of the Medical Sonography course), a formative quiz is available for you to complete. You will need to ensure you complete this (multiple attempts are allowed) prior to gaining access to subsequent resources in this unit.


To allow you to gain some understanding regarding the practical sonographic assessment of musculoskeletal structures, you will attend two sonographic lab sessions. In these sessions you will scan other students to appreciate transducer placement and manipulation, patient positioning and dynamic movements required to assess structures in real time. One of the assessment tasks for this unit also requires you to obtain sonographic imaging of structures, which can be completed in these labs.


All lectures are pre-recorded and available on the MEDS13007 Moodle site, along with the associated lecture notes and reading material found in the eReading list. Other resources you will find on the Moodle site include advice from previous students, weekly learning outcomes with review questions, and frequently asked questions.


Interactive tutorials are provided every week via zoom. In addition to covering the content related to musculoskeletal ultrasound your clinical reasoning and image interpretation skills will be extended. You will be guided on how to develop systematic and logical thinking in regard to musculoskeletal sonography. To ensure these are interactive every second tutorial is called a 'drop-in session'. This will allow you the opportunity to bring questions to be answered or ask for clarification on concepts covered in this unit. The best benefit from these tutorials is gained by live attendance. The tutorials will be recorded each week for those that cannot attend (if no students attend, no recording will be available).

Assessment Tasks

1 Reflective Practice Assignment

Assessment Title
REFLECTIVE PRACTICE ASSIGNMENT

Task Description

This task requires you to:

  • Sonographically scan and acquire specific static sonographic images of two specific musculoskeletal structures and their anatomical surrounds from other students in the CQU sonography lab (total of 2 labelled sonographic images to be submitted).
  • Review the technique you used and the quality of the subsequent images and provide a written reflection and critique of your sonographic technique and subsequent images and consider what actions you could take in the future to allow improvement (1000 words).
  • Review a peer’s stored static sonographic images and provide feedback in written form (300 words).
  • Gain a peer’s written feedback regarding your two sonographic images and submit.

The two musculoskeletal structures to be sonographically imaged are:

  • Elbow tendons (medial or lateral) – Long axis image
  • Median nerve (at wrist or elbow) – Short axis image

Associated formative task: To allow you to practice this task, you are invited to submit a formative task in week 5 where you can image the calf muscles (medial gastrocnemius and soleus), and gain feedback to inform your summative submission (due in week 10). This task can be submitted via the formative week 5 assessment portal.

For each structure imaged you are required to:

  1. Practically acquire sonographic images of musculoskeletal structures as listed above. Images submitted must include
    • Your name, your date of birth, date of image acquisition to be recorded on static images
    • Appropriate annotation of stored static sonographic images (axis of imaging, structure of interest demonstrated)

  2. Reflect and review your practical technique used and subsequent sonographic images acquired. You will need to complete a written document which includes:
    • Static sonographic images which must have pertinent structures labelled (some labels can be annotated not at time of imaging)
    • An outline of how the images were acquired – including an outline of the patient positioning of body and structure of interest, sonographic landmarks used to locate the structure of interest, and transducer placement.
    • A critique of the static sonographic image acquired.
    • If and how the sonographic imaging and subsequent stored image could have been improved to allow enhanced demonstration of the structures of interest in the correct axis and a justification. This can include what preparation you undertook prior to practically sonographically scanning the structure of interest.
    • What you would incorporate into your technique to sonographically assess this structure or similar structures in the plane demonstrated in the future.
    • Include a reflection on what general musculoskeletal sonographic principles you would use to apply to other musculoskeletal regions of the body.
    • Remove your ID (name and date of birth) on your image and submit your file to the Feedback Fruits platform.

  3. Provide written reflection via the Feedback Fruits platform of a fellow student’s static sonographic images.
    • You will be automatically assigned a student’s images to review. These will be deidentified, so feedback will be anonymous.
    • The student images you are critiquing must be submitted along with your feedback.

  4. Obtain anonymous feedback from a fellow student on your work via Feedback Fruits platform and submit a copy of this to the word document written submission.
    • A fellow student will be automatically assigned to provide feedback on your image. The reviewing student will be anonymous.

  5. Submit a copy of the final word document written submission, together with:
    • Your original images with your name and date of birth
    • The feedback you provided
    • The feedback you you received


An exemplar of this task is available on the unit Moodle site for you to use as a guide.


Assessment Due Date

Summative assessment (elbow tendons and median nerve imaging): Submission for peer feedback: 8th May 2023, 16:00 AEST (Week 9, Monday); Final submission: 18th May 2023, 16:00 AEST (Week 10, Thursday).


Return Date to Students

Summative assessment: 2nd June 2023 (Week 12, Friday).


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The detailed assessment marking criteria can be accessed from the unit Moodle site.


Overall, you will be assessed on:

  • All sonographic images and anatomical diagrams are labelled accurately.
  • Relevant information provided reflecting good understanding of the content
  • Reflection identifies areas for improvement if required and allows for future practice to be enhanced.
  • In-text citation of sources used to verify information with appropriate reference list at the end.
  • Adherence to the word limit for each case to allow adequate reflection to be discussed: Own reflection: 1000 words. Peer reflection: 300 words. Excess words will not be assessed.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online via Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Correlate relational anatomy of musculoskeletal structures with standard static and dynamic sonographic imaging.
  • Critically acquire sonographic imaging of musculoskeletal structures, including image optimisation, using a systematic protocol in a simulated environment.
  • Interpret static and dynamic musculoskeletal sonographic imaging of normal anatomy and imaging demonstrating variants, artefacts, pathology or injury to create a provisional diagnostic report.

2 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
ONLINE QUIZZES

Task Description

You need to complete two online quizzes which assess you on material covered in lectures, prescribed readings, tutorials and any additional resources supplied during the term.

  • Quiz 1 weighting is 20% of unit total and covers content from week 1 to week 5.
  • Quiz 2 weighting is 40% of unit total and covers content in the entire unit from week 1 to week 12.


The quizzes involve a variety question types, which may include short and long answer questions which require typed answers, drag and drop questions and combined questions.


The quiz cannot be paused once started, nor reattempted once finished.


These online quizzes must be completed by you alone, without assistance or collusion with others. Any evidence of collusion will be dealt with in adherence with the CQU student academic integrity policy and procedure.

Please be aware

  • The quizzes are time limited so familiarity with the content is required
  • If you experience any technical difficulties accessing or during the test, please ring TaSAC and notify your Unit Coordinator as soon as physically possible (same day) with details of the technical issue.


Number of Quizzes

2


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Quiz 1: 21st April 2023, 11:00 – 13:00 AEST (Week 6, Friday); Quiz 2: 6th June 2023, 11:00 – 13:00 AEST (Week 13, Tuesday)


Return Date to Students

Quiz 1: Return from 5th May 2023 (Week 8, Friday), after all students have completed. Quiz 2: Return from 2nd June 2023 (Week 12, Friday), after all students have completed.


Weighting
60%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The quizzes involve a variety question type including the following ones.

  • For drag and drop questions, you will be required to drag the most appropriate answer from a selection of possible answers and drop into the correct area.
  • For combined questions, you will be asked either to decide whether the given statement is correct, or to fill in the words as required.

Exemplars can be accessed from the unit Moodle site.


Typed response answers will be assessed according to:

  • Use of appropriate medical and sonographic terminology and descriptors and directional terms.
  • Correct spelling of the terms.
  • Relevance of response to the question asked.
  • Irrelevant or incorrect information excluded.
  • Adequate detail provided in the answer.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
The online test can be accessed via the MEDS13007 Moodle site, under the assessment tab.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Correlate relational anatomy of musculoskeletal structures with standard static and dynamic sonographic imaging.
  • Describe clinical indications relevant to sonographic musculoskeletal examinations, patient care and safety considerations, and alternative musculoskeletal diagnostic studies that can be performed.
  • Interpret static and dynamic musculoskeletal sonographic imaging of normal anatomy and imaging demonstrating variants, artefacts, pathology or injury to create a provisional diagnostic report.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?