Exploring the integration of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging into clinical practice by physical therapists.

Background: Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) use for diagnostic purposes is expanding in physical therapy practice. Identifying and describing physical therapy-specific approaches to incorporating MSK-US into the evaluation process is needed. Musculoskeletal ultrasound extends the physical exam to allow clinicians to visualize anatomy and pathophysiology both statically and dynamically.

Using real-time ultrasound imaging as adjunct teaching tools to enhance physical therapist students' ability and confidence to perform traction of the knee joint.

Often, physical therapy students struggle with the skill and the confidence to perform manual techniques for musculoskeletal examination. Current teaching methods lack concurrent objective feedback. Real-time ultrasound imaging (RTUI) has the advantage of generating visualization of anatomical structures in real-time in an efficient and safe manner.