Description: This educational video provides a comprehensive overview of common musculoskeletal (MSK) anatomy encountered during upper and lower extremity ultrasound examinations. Designed as a foundational review for healthcare professionals learning or advancing their MSK ultrasound skills, the presentation emphasizes the relationship between anatomy, ultrasound appearance, transducer orientation, and scanning technique. The upper extremity portion covers the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, including key bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bursae, nerves, and neurovascular structures. Particular attention is given to the rotator cuff, elbow compartments, carpal tunnel, wrist extensor compartments, and commonly evaluated peripheral nerves. The lower extremity portion reviews the hip, knee, and ankle, focusing on the major anatomical landmarks and structures routinely evaluated with ultrasound. The presentation also highlights common sites of pathology, including tendon tears, tendinosis, bursitis, joint effusion, ligament injury, nerve entrapment, and ganglion or Baker cysts. Throughout the course, practical scanning considerations are discussed, including patient positioning, transducer orientation, anatomical landmarks, long- and short-axis imaging, Doppler evaluation, and techniques for reducing anisotropy. This anatomy-focused review is intended to help learners establish a strong foundation for performing systematic and accurate MSK ultrasound examinations.

Objectives: Upon completion of this educational activity, the learner should be able to: 1. Identify the major bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bursae, nerves, and neurovascular structures commonly evaluated during upper and lower extremity MSK ultrasound examinations. 2. Describe the anatomical relationships and locations of key structures within the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. 3. Recognize appropriate anatomical landmarks used to locate and evaluate structures during MSK ultrasound scanning. 4. Differentiate between long-axis and short-axis imaging orientations and apply appropriate transducer alignment based on the course of the structure being examined. 5. Describe the normal sonographic appearance of commonly evaluated tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, bursae, and other soft-tissue structures. 6. Identify common anatomical sites associated with MSK pathology, including tendon tears and tendinosis, bursitis, joint effusion, ligament injury, nerve entrapment, and cystic abnormalities. 7. Explain the role of patient positioning and transducer manipulation in obtaining optimal ultrasound images of the upper and lower extremities. 8. Recognize the importance of Doppler evaluation when assessing joints, tendons, bursae, and other structures for active inflammation or hyperemia. 9. Apply foundational MSK anatomical knowledge to support systematic and accurate ultrasound examinations. 10. Demonstrate an understanding of the key anatomical structures and scanning considerations necessary for continued development of MSK ultrasound proficiency.

Presenter(s): Jamie Bie, RMSKS, RVT, RDMS

Status: Active

Activity Difficulty Level: Essential

Domains:

• Assessment
• Evaluation and Diagnosis

Format: Virtual Asynchronous - On Demand

Dual Credentials and JA: Other, Physical Therapy Professionals

Start Date & Time: 11/01/2026 12:00 AM CDT

End Date & Time: 11/01/2028 12:01 AM CDT

Cost: $22.95

Capacity: 9999

CEUs: 1