Overview
As a registered healthcare professional, this unit will help you to develop your skills in preliminary clinical evaluation and interpretation of x-rays of the musculoskeletal system.
The unit will enable you to develop and apply skills to recognise normal and abnormal appearances of radiographic images to aid clinical reasoning and the formulation of differential diagnoses. This will inform your clinical reasoning to enhance your decision making when requesting imaging across multiple clinical services.
The unit will be delivered using a blended learning approach and assessed through clinical case presentations.
On completion of the unit, you should be able to demonstrate the necessary skills and professional abilities to undertake clinical commenting of the appendicular and axial skeleton appropriate to your scope of practice.
Course Details
This unit is focused upon the development of knowledge and understanding of the radiographic appearances of pathology in order to inform clinical practice and decision making. Principles of searching for, recognising and interpreting characteristic radiographic features of disease will be addressed, with a focus on commonly encountered pathologies of the skeletal system. You will develop an understanding of terminology appropriate to describing radiographic image appearances, common pitfalls in image interpretation, the effect of radiographic technique factors on image appearances and the impact on radiographic decision-making. This knowledge will enable you to enhance your clinical reasoning and decision making in relation to MSK presentations.
The content will cover a range of topics, including applied anatomy and physiology focusing on the normal skeleton and anatomical variants, imaging modalities with their appropriate indications and contraindications, and key principles of IRMER and radiation safety.
It will delve into X-ray interpretation with a preliminary clinical evaluation to a Red Dot level for both upper and lower limbs, encompassing all appendicular areas in adults and children. Specific topics include fractures, dislocations, other traumatic skeletal conditions, soft tissue injuries, and the identification of red flags and risk factors.
Legal and professional issues will be addressed alongside the principles of distinguishing normal and abnormal appearances in bones, soft tissues, and joints on X-rays.
The curriculum also includes fracture classification and description, as well as signposting and referral pathways.
Standalone unit 20 credits Level 7.
As a unique Health Sciences University, HSU has developed a wide range of educational opportunities for healthcare professionals. This course is led by Neil Langridge, a highly experienced Consultant Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapist with over 20 years in advanced clinical roles. Neil will be supported by a number of MSK and imaging experts in the delivery of the course.
How This Course Is Taught
How This Course Is Taught 
This unit will be delivered through blended learning, with both time in the classroom and online with both synchronous and asynchronous delivery of content. You will undertake group work, peer-assessed student presentations and self-directed learning. Lectures and seminars and group work will provide the theoretical and research-based information and guidance to facilitate learning and professional development. Pre-recorded videos for topics and overview lectures, with learning consolidated by self-directed learning resources and VLE activities, synchronous small group discussion seminars and/or asynchronous online discussions on Teams and/or face-to-face.
You will work closely and collaboratively with fellow health and care professionals within your student peer group, from a range of professions and disciplines and from different health and care settings, adding breadth and depth and richness to this shared learning experience.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
This unit is suitable for healthcare professionals who are working in clinical roles where they need skills in preliminary clinical evaluation and interpretation of x-rays of the musculoskeletal system.
You should have a first degree or equivalent.
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Why choose Health Sciences University
There are many benefits to studying at Health Sciences University, from our expertise and history in teaching health sciences, to our state-of-the-art facilities, on-site clinical training, and of course our location on the beautiful Bournemouth coast.
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