Needs Assessment:

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) is a well-known and highly effective tool in the evaluation of pathology in the adult population. While published practice parameters for the performance of musculoskeletal ultrasound have some mention of pediatric-specific conditions, there is a general lack of skeletally immature anatomic landmarks included in the recommended scanning protocols seen across different subspecialities (1,2). As a result, this large portion of MSKUS has fallen behind in both clinical and research settings.

Despite this educational gap, this has proven to be an important tool for those clinicians who utilize this in the evaluation and treatment of pediatric musculoskeletal injuries and pathologic conditions. Without a basic understanding of normal sonoanatomy, the sonologist can easily see normal and mistake it for the pathology it mimics (3). Also, evaluating pathology that spans most ages is a relatively easy practice for the clinician who performs MSKUS regularly, but when treating a skeletally immature patient, the differential must be expanded, and for those who do not often see this demographic, sonography may not appropriately be utilized.

Reference(s):
1. The AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Examination. J Ultrasound Med. 2023 Sep;42(9):E23-E35.
2. Hall MM, Bernhardt D, Finnoff JT, Hoffman D, Hrubes M, Mautner K, Rao A, Ray JW, Smith J, Waterbrook A. American Medical Society for Sports Medicine sports ultrasound curriculum for sports medicine fellowships. Br J Sports Med. 2022 Feb;56(3):127-137.
3. Gupta A, Bagri N, Spalkit S, Jana M. Technical and Interpretive Pitfalls in Pediatric Musculoskeletal Ultrasound. J Ultrasound Med. 2023 Aug;42(8):1639-1646.

Learning Objectives:
After participating in this activity, learners should be able to:

• Describe effective scanning strategies that help the clinician recognize the normal sonoanatomy of the pediatric patient;
• Identify at least three common pediatric musculoskeletal pathologies of both the upper and lower extremity that are easily evaluated by point-of-care ultrasound; and
• Distinguish between normal ultrasound findings and the pathology it mimics in a skeletally immature patient.

Faculty: Drew Duerson, MD, RMSK, Nationwide Children's Hospital

Target Audience:
This activity is intended for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, sonographers, and other trainees in the field of musculoskeletal Point-of-Care Ultrasound.

Available Credit: 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™/1 ARRT Category A credit(s). Upon completion of the learning activity, you will have 2 attempts to successfully pass the post-test with a score of at least 80% and claim your certificate.

AIUM Member: $0
Nonmember: $0

Join the AIUM today to access and earn for free.

Your fee includes access to the content and the opportunity to submit the CME test. 

As of January 1, 2025, you will have 2 attempts to successfully pass the post-test with a score of at least 80% and claim your certificate.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM). The AIUM is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The AIUM designates this internet enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AIUM Ultrasound Practice Accreditation

This activity can be used to meet part of relevant AIUM Training Guidelines and/or maintenance credits for accreditation purposes. Learn more about AIUM Ultrasound Practice Accreditation here.

ARRT Category A Credit 

The AIUM is a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM) for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The AIUM is the owner and sponsor of this activity. This activity is approved by the AIUM for 1 ARRT Category A credit. This CE activity may be available in multiple formats or from different CE sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities (e.g., Internet courses, home study programs, directed readings, live lectures) to be repeated for CE credit in the same CE biennium.

Additional Credit Information

• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The ARDMS accepts AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credit(s)™.

Documenting CME Credits

All participants who pass the post-test with a score of at least 80% will have access to claim a CME certificate. The AIUM will submit credits to the ARDMS for active AIUM membership accounts with a valid ARDMS ID number. It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure credit accuracy and adherence to any audit requests.

Disclosure Policy:

In accordance with the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, all individuals in control of content must disclose any financial relationship(s) or other relationship(s) held within the past 24 months. The AIUM implements a mechanism to identify and mitigate all conflicts of interest prior to delivering the educational activity to learners.

Disclosures for this activity:

Drew Durson, MD, RMSK, faculty, has no financial relationships with an ineligible company to disclose.

Charlotte Henningsen, MS, RT(R), clinical reviewer, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

AIUM education planners and staff: Nicole Fortune and Ashley McDermott, have no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Commercial Support:
There is no commercial support funding for this activity.