Teaching Ultrasound Of Three Clinically Important Upper Limb Structures During Anatomy Dissection Lab Using the 7D Interactive Software Program

HOCUM Gabe1, Ian BLANDFORD1, Breanna CONNETT1, Brion BENNINGER1-9. Medical Anatomy Center1, Departments of Medical Anatomical Sciences2, Neuromuscular Medicine3, Family Practice4, Western University of Health Sciences,... [ view full abstract ]

HOCUM Gabe1, Ian BLANDFORD1, Breanna CONNETT1, Brion BENNINGER1-9. Medical Anatomy Center1, Departments of Medical Anatomical Sciences2, Neuromuscular Medicine3, Family Practice4, Western University of Health Sciences, COMP–Northwest, Lebanon, OR. USA. Departments of Orthopaedics5, General Surgery6 and Sports Medicine7, Samaritan Health Services, Corvallis, OR. USA. Departments of Surgery8, Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation9, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR. USA.

INTRODUCTION. Ultrasound (US) is increasingly being applied for life-threatening diagnosis of the cavities; however, there are numerous accounts of everyday musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints. This study investigated if the 7D US educational software could train future US users on three clinically important upper limb structures. METHODS. Literature search was conducted to find MSK US educational software use while teaching anatomy. The 7D Imaging interactive educational software (mskNAV) was available to 50 students to navigate through the proximal upper limb during a two-week period while dissecting the shoulder to hand region. Students were asked to study the shoulder region (supraspinatus), elbow region & wrist (neurovascular structures) and the cortex layer of radial and ulnar bones. The students were evaluated on US machine use, probe skill, structure identification, clinical application and didactic knowledge. Fukuda Denshi UF-760AG ultrasound machine with SonicEye finger probes was used. RESULTS. Literature search revealed no known studies with interactive MSK US software. Students scored an average of 86% when evaluated on all aspects of the US examination (machine & probe use, structure identification and clinical relevance). DISCUSSION. Medical students and residents are keen to learn MSK US techniques but there are not enough qualified users to instruct them. There is a great need for interactive US education software that allows comprehensive self-teaching. This study used the mskNAV iPad app to assess whether students can acquire ultrasound skills and knowledge during an anatomy course. Three upper limb regions highlighting a common tendon injury (supraspinatus), important neurovascular injury site (brachial artery, median & ulnar nerve), and common fracture (distal radial & ulnar cortex) were successfully identified following anatomy dissection and 7D US software. CONCLUSION. This study revealed the interactive upper limb mskNAV module was successful in integrating US skills and anatomy teaching with relevant structures and important clinical applications.