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. 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

Pre-requisites: MEDS12001 Physics of Ultrasound AND MEDS12004 Sonographic Skills Development 1. Co-requisites: MEDS20016 Medical Sonography Clinical Unit 3 OR MEDS20017 Medical Sonography Clinical Unit 4.

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 - 2024

Brisbane
Mackay
Melbourne
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 SUTE Unit Report

Feedback

Students like the layout of the quiz with a variety of question types which keeps it interesting and engaging.

Recommendation

Consider maintaining the quiz layout.

Feedback from SUTE Unit Report

Feedback

Students found the ultrasound images with detailed labels provided in lecture very useful for learning normal sonographic anatomy of musculoskeletal structures.

Recommendation

Provide more labeled ultrasound images in lectures, reading materials and other resources.

Feedback from SUTE Unit Report, student communication and Unit Coordinator reflection

Feedback

Students wanted more hands-on scanning opportunities while learning the theory of musculoskeletal sonography.

Recommendation

The course structure has been updated via Update Course Proposal to move Musculoskeletal Sonography into Year 4 where students will have daily access to scanning opportunities at their clinical placement. This will provide opportunities to apply the theory in practice and increase understanding of complex structures and common pathology encountered.

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 Standards for the Accreditation of Sonographer Courses:

Foundation Units of Competence - 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Critical Practice Units of Competence - 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

Abrahams' and McMinn's clinical atlas of human anatomy

ISBN: 9780702073328
Binding: eBook
Supplementary

Musculoskeletal ultrasound cross-sectional anatomy

ISBN: 9781617052279
Binding: eBook

Additional Textbook Information

The ebooks can be accessed via the eReading list of the unit.

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: 04 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Introduction to musculoskeletal ultrasound

Chapter

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

Additional content will be provided via lectures and eReading list.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 11 Mar 2024

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

Week 3 Begin Date: 18 Mar 2024

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

Week 4 Begin Date: 25 Mar 2024

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

Week 5 Begin Date: 01 Apr 2024

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

Be aware of the time changing as daylight saving ends on 7 April 2024

Vacation Week Begin Date: 08 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Break Week

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 15 Apr 2024

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

ONLINE QUIZZES (1) Due: Week 6 Friday (19 April 2024) 1:00 pm AEST

Week 7 Begin Date: 22 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Knee and Calf

Chapter

Jacobson (3rd Ed): Chap 7, pp284-327;  Chap 8, pp350-351, 386-387.

Additional content will be provided via lectures and eReading list.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 29 Apr 2024

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

Week 9 Begin Date: 06 May 2024

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 Due: Week 9 Monday (6 May 2024) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 13 May 2024

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

Week 11 Begin Date: 20 May 2024

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

Week 12 Begin Date: 27 May 2024

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

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 03 Jun 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

ONLINE QUIZZES (2) Due: Week 13 Wednesday (5 June 2024) 1:00 pm AEST

Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Jun 2024

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.

 

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 objectives and review questions,  frequently asked questions and image interpretation practice exercises.

 

This unit is being offered in ‘teach-out’ mode.  As there will be limited student numbers, interactive discussions will be organised with the unit coordinator once the term commences.  

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 patient in your clinical placement during the enrolment of this unit (total of two 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).

The two musculoskeletal structures to be sonographically imaged are:

  • Ulnar nerve (at wrist or elbow) – Short axis image
  • Ankle tendons (medial or lateral) – Short axis image

For each structure imaged you are required to:

    1.  Practically acquire sonographic images of musculoskeletal structures as listed above.

         Images submitted must include:

  • Location (clinical placement) and 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.

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


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Monday (6 May 2024) 4:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Tuesday (21 May 2024)


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 of 1000 words for each case to allow adequate reflection to be discussed. Excess words will not be assessed.

 

Please Note:

  • A signed declaration form (available on unit Moodle) must be submitted together with this assessment.
  • Images submitted in this assessment must be originally exported from PACS or the ultrasound machine. Modifying images or changing information on images will be treated as falsifying or fabricating data.
  • Large Language Models (LLMs), a type of artificial intelligence (AI) such as Chat GPT do not necessarily provide accurate, current or correctly referenced information and are not considered reliable to use for academic work. Any use of LLM/AI in your assignments must be acknowledged using the Guidelines for Referencing Large Language Models or Artificial Intelligence.


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 21% of unit total and covers content from week 1 to week 5.
  • Quiz 2 weighting is 39% 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. You must ensure you are abiding by the CQU Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure.  It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of and familiar with this policy and procedure. Any evidence of breaches of academic integrity (particularly collusion or academic misconduct) will be dealt with via this policy and procedure.

 

Please be aware:

  • The quizzes are open book but time limited so familiarity with the content is required.
  • Resources used in answers other than material provided by the unit coordinator need to be referenced.
  • If you experience any technical difficulties 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: Due: 19 April 2024,13:00 AEST (Week 6, Friday); Available: between 17th April 1pm and 19th April 1pm; Quiz 2: Due: 5 June 2024, 13:00 AEST (Week 13, Wednesday); Available: between 3rd June 1pm and 5th June 1pm.


Return Date to Students

Quiz 1: Return from 3 May 2024 (Week 8, Friday), after all students have completed. Quiz 2: Return from 19 June 2024, 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?