SPORTS MEDICINE

2005 (honorary lecturer, Bournemouth University MskUS course – see www.aecc.ac.uk). Dr Robertson is a founder fellow of the UK Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine, and is a senior medical offi- cer at the Baird Medical Centre, St Thomas’, London.

Dr James Brown MBChB MSc(SEM) FFSEM(UK) Dr Brown is a locum consultant in sport and exercise medicine at Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds. Diagnostic and interventional ultra-

sound form part of his daily practice, he has a special interest in tendon problems of the shoulder, knee and Achilles. Dr Brown has worked with several elite rugby union league and cricket clubs over the past decade. He is a non executive director of Health Partners Europe, medical advisors to the FA Premiership. His ultrasound training was based in Leeds, Lancaster University, Oxford and more recently at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Stanmore.

SUMMARY ■ With recent advances in technology, and reductions in the cost of equipment, the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS), as an office procedure in primary care, continues to grow. And, importantly, patients like it.

■ Most superficial non-bony structures in the peripheral musculoskeletal system, especially tendon and ligament disease, can be successfully imaging with MSKUS. This can lead to enhanced diagnostic services, including and “one-stop-shop” type clinics, for those working in sports and exercise medicine.

■ For clinicians setting out to gain training and experience in MSKUS, the shoulder, knee, ankle and foot are the most suit- able regions. The groin, muscle lesions, “lumps and bumps” and neural tissue should generally be considered under advanced MSKUS. Biofeedback shows promise for physical therapists, especially in the management of mechanical sub-groups of low back pain.

■ With good training by experienced msk sonographers, well-documented mentoring and the achievement of a formal post- graduate qualification, it is feasible for non-radiologist msk clinicians to gain competence in a range of both diagnostic and interventional ultrasound. That said, there remains scope for more clarity and specific professional guidance on the issues of long-term accreditation, governance and appraisal for enhanced mskus services.

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