[Web-based learning in musculoskeletal ultrasound]

Area of Science:

• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSUS)
• Medical Education Technology

Background:

• Traditional musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) training involves courses and self-study.
• Web-based learning presents a novel approach for MSUS education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize normal and pathological musculoskeletal ultrasound findings using a web-based educational tool.
• To create a comprehensive digital repository of MSUS images and videos.

Main Methods:

• A prospective 3-year study documented normal and pathological musculoskeletal ultrasound images and videos.
• Collected data were cataloged and integrated into a web-based learning platform.
• Widely accepted guidelines were used for documentation.

Main Results:

• 1240 ultrasound images and 183 videos were collected, with 85.6% showing pathological findings.
• Upper extremity pathologies comprised 61% of the findings, lower limbs 39%.
• Commonly captured conditions included synovitis (33.3%), tendon pathologies (19.6%), and rheumatoid arthritis (20%).

Conclusions:

• A web-based tool effectively consolidates normal and pathological MSUS findings for educational purposes.
• This resource aids in the training and skill development of healthcare professionals in MSUS interpretation.
• The cataloged data represent a significant collection of common musculoskeletal conditions visualized via ultrasound.