MSKUS Advanced Lower Pathology

Course overview

This course provides a comprehensive presentation of the principles of musculoskeletal ultrasound with a focus on the upper extremities, including the hip, knee, ankle & foot. Didactic lectures for each joint are paired with lab demonstrations and practical sessions to ensure both foundational and applied learning. Participants will begin with a strong foundation in normal sonoanatomy, image optimization, probe handling, image orientation, and interpretation algorithms. Building on this base, systematic scanning protocols for the hip, knee, ankle & foot are presented and practiced. In addition to developing confidence with standard scanning techniques, participants will be introduced to more advanced scanning methods to evaluate complex anatomical regions and enhance diagnostic accuracy. Emphasis will be placed on the identification of pathological structures and common clinical conditions, including tendinopathies, ligament injuries, nerve entrapments, joint effusions, bursitis, and degenerative changes. Hands-on practice sessions provide the opportunity to refine skills in obtaining, labeling, and interpreting ultrasound images. Participants' in-depth knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy will serve as a foundation for recognizing both normal and abnormal presentations. Students may also be asked to present images for group review and critique, reinforcing their interpretive and clinical reasoning skills. As musculoskeletal sonography continues to gain recognition worldwide as a standard of care in visualizing anatomy and pathology, this course equips participants with both the fundamental skills and advanced applications necessary to incorporate ultrasound into clinical decision-making and patient management.