Teaching basic shoulder ultrasonography to orthopaedic postgraduate trainees--effectiveness of a training workshop

Ultrasound examination of the shoulder conducted by orthopaedic surgeons in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder conditions is increasingly reported. Shoulder ultrasound is not a mandatory component of postgraduate orthopaedic training in the United Kingdom. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the shoulder ultrasound teaching workshop administered to postgraduate orthopaedic surgical trainees.

Orthopaedic trainees participated in a teaching workshop on shoulder ultrasound examination with particular emphasis on demonstrating the Acromioclavicluar joint (ACJ) and the long head of the biceps (LHB) in the biciptal groove. The ability of the trainees to demonstrate the ACJ and the LHB using ultrasound was then assessed.

Thirty three orthopaedic trainees participated in this study. Twenty three (70%) trainees were able to demonstrate the ACJ and 14 (42%) trainees were able to demonstrate the LHB without assistance, following the ultrasound teaching workshop. The skills acquired by the trainees were independent to the year in training and previous shoulder experience (p > 0.05).

Our study shows that a basic shoulder ultrasound teaching workshop can be effective in equipping postgraduate orthopaedic trainees with basic ultrasound techniques. It could potentially become part of a structured orthopaedic training programme.