‘Red Dot’ X-ray Analysis of the Upper and Lower Extremities

Course Summary           CPD Hours: 8

The Red Dot Upper and Lower Limb X-ray Interpretation course is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to confidently interpret x-ray images of the upper and lower extremities. This one-day workshop will focus on identifying common pathologies and abnormalities, understanding radiographic anatomy, and developing a systematic approach to image interpretation.

Course Aims:

1. To enhance participants’ understanding of radiographic anatomy and the identification of common pathologies and abnormalities in the upper and lower extremities and develop knowledge and skills to interpret  upper and lower limb x-ray images confidently using a systematic approach.

Course Objectives: By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of radiographic imaging and the specific considerations for upper and lower limb x-rays.
2. Identify and interpret normal radiographic anatomy of the upper and lower extremities.
3. Recognise and interpret common fractures, dislocations, joint abnormalities, and soft tissue pathologies in the upper and lower limbs.
4. Apply a systematic approach to interpreting upper and lower limb x-rays, including recognising, and reporting important findings accurately.
5. Communicate x-ray findings effectively to colleagues and other healthcare professionals involved in patient care.

Prerequisites

 Participants should have a basic understanding of human anatomy and radiographic imaging principles. Some prior knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy and pathology would be beneficial.

Course Outline

Introduction to Upper and Lower Limb X-ray Interpretation

• Introduction to radiographic imaging and its applications in musculoskeletal assessment
• Basic principles of image acquisition and interpretation
• Importance of systematic approach and documentation

Radiographic Anatomy of the Upper Limb

• Radiographic anatomy of the shoulder, humerus, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand
• Normal variants and common anatomical landmarks
• Identifying bony and joint structures on x-ray image

Interpretation of Upper Limb X-rays

• Fractures, dislocations, and joint abnormalities of the upper limb
• Soft tissue pathologies, such as tendon injuries and ligamentous tears
• Recognizing common pitfalls and artifacts in upper limb imaging

Radiographic Anatomy of the Lower Limb

• Radiographic anatomy of the femur, knee, tibia/fibula, ankle, and foot
• Normal variants and common anatomical landmarks
• Identifying bony and joint structures on x-ray images

Interpretation of Lower Limb X-rays

• Fractures, dislocations, and joint abnormalities of the lower limb
• Common degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis
• Identifying common adult and paediatric conditions in lower limb imaging

Case Studies and Practice Sessions

• Interactive case studies for hands-on application of knowledge
• Group discussions and peer learning opportunities
• Practical exercises for image interpretation and reporting

Target Audience:

• Nurse practitioners, paramedics, allied healthcare professionals
• Emergency medicine doctors
• Sports medicine clinicians
• Primary care clinicians
• Physiotherapists
• Physician assistants
• Medical students and healthcare professionals with an interest in musculoskeletal imaging

Course Delivery:

• Live webinar with interactive sessions. Can be delivered as a face to face session
• Online resources for supplementary materials and self-assessment
• Group discussions and peer learning opportunities

Requirements for webinar

• This is a live interactive webinar that requires camera’s to be turned on throughout the session
• The day is divided into sessions.
• The initial morning session discusses the main anatomical divisions of the upper and lower limb and principles of X-ray interpretation
• Each session thereafter, starts with short lecturers followed by cases analysis. Registrants, working in breakout rooms, discuss & evaluate a set of images at their own computers.
• The subsequent answers and case discussions are explored as a group with tutorials from the lecturers.
• Questions, and the raising of any minor or major interpretation problems, are actively encouraged.

Lecturers: