Introduction to Ultrasound of the Foot and Ankle for the Podiatrist
This is a home-based programme of practical instruction facilitated by provision of an ultrasound scanner to each delegate. This series of remotely delivered interactive video conference sessions, with accompanying practice exercises, has been specifically designed to develop applied anatomical knowledge, muscle identification and practical skills. You will build confidence and gain probe handling and orientation skills in a progressive manner through repetition of ultrasound assessment of normal anatomy over a period of 4 weeks.
For the duration of the course, all delegates are sent an Orca POD Toolbox containing a Konica Minolta MX1 ultrasound system with L18-4 high frequency linear transducer, gel phantom, ultrasound gel and wipes. The POD Toolbox incorporates all the elements necessary to enable the progressive acquisition of knowledge and skills through home-based practice.
The teaching programme is delivered by a combination of interactive lectures and practice exercises that will equip delegates with the essential cognitive skills necessary to begin incorporating ultrasound imaging into their daily clinical assessment.
There is an assignment at the end of each session which helps the delegates to revise the concepts learnt during each session and to provide a framework for practising those skills.
Capacity is limited to 10 delegates per course.
A sample programme is available here. Please note this is subject to change.
Course Tutor
Over the past 26 years my attitude towards my clinical work has remained consistent. This has centred on striving to develop and provide excellent patient care. My initial clinical work for City & Hackney was broad and included high risk patient management, wound care and biomechanics clinics. This experience helped me establish a more specialist interest in biomechanics and force management in the lower limb. This has been nurtured in my time with Birmingham Community NHs Trust and further developed as an Advanced Practice Podiatrist with Shropshire Community NHS Trust. Podiatric use of ultrasound is gaining pace, as advances in technology have enabled more meaningful interpretation of images and costs are reducing. A fundamental knowledge can offer an insight into pathology, helping to optimise our management of our patients. Diagnosis is not necessarily the podiatrist main use of ultrasound. Often it helps to improve patient concordance, as they feel more engaged with their care whilst also influencing the timing of interventions associated with specific conditions. This all contribute to personalised care for our patients.
