The Current Situation of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Education: A Systematic Literature Review

As a radiation-free and dynamic imaging tool, musculoskeletal ultrasound improves diagnostic and therapeutic safety. With its growing application, the demand for training opportunities rises rapidly. Therefore, this work was aimed at mapping the current state of musculoskeletal ultrasonography education. A systematic literature search was conducted in January 2022 in the medical databases Embase, PubMed and Google Scholar. By use of specifically selected keywords, matching publications were filtered; then abstracts were screened independently by two authors and the inclusion of each publication was checked against pre-defined criteria according to the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes) scheme. Full-text versions of included publications were reviewed, and relevant information was extracted. Finally, 67 publications were included. Our results revealed a wide variety of course concepts and programs that have been implemented in different disciplines. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography training especially addresses residents in rheumatology, radiology and physical medicine and rehabilitation. International institutions, such as the European League Against Rheumatism and the Pan-American League of Associations for Rheumatology, have suggested guidelines and curricula to promote standardized ultrasound training. The development of alternative teaching methods incorporating e-learning, peer teaching and distance learning on mobile ultrasound devices and the determination of international guidelines could facilitate overcoming the remaining obstacles still to be passed. In conclusion, it can be stated that there is a broad consensus that standardized musculoskeletal ultrasound curricula would improve training and facilitate the implementation of new training programs.