| CODE | RAD2041 | ||||||
| TITLE | Medical Imaging Theory and Practice: Skeletal Imaging - Upper and Lower Limb | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Radiography | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit provides the knowledge that underpins the performance of imaging examinations of the upper limb (including shoulder girdle) and lower limb (including pelvis); and concepts in the delivery of a medical imaging. Topics include: radiographic technique, encompassing: surface and radiographic anatomy, indications and considerations for imaging, patient considerations, published referral criteria, accepted practice, radiation protection, optimized practise, technical and diagnostic image appraisal. This theoretical study-unit also includes a number of practical demonstrations where students consolidate the theory by undertaking individual manual handling instruction relevant to skills required in the moving and positioning of patients in the clinical environment. Study-unit Aims 1. To provide a learning situation which will enable the student to become proficient at performing diagnostically acceptable standards of the radiographic procedures related to upper and lower limb imaging, including the shoulder girdle and pelvis. 2. To foster good radiographic practice and ensure students are conversant with and employ safe working practices, especially in radiation safety. 3. To ensure an understating of the justification and choice for the projections and examinations required to demonstrate the anatomy of the upper and lower limb. 4. To be able to recognise pathologies and disease processes. 5. To provide an awareness of the feelings of patients and their behavior in the hospital environment. 6. To encourage the student to keep up to date with current developments in medical imaging. Learning Outcomes 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 1. Describe the role of the radiographer in the overall care of patient presenting with an injury/pathology/condition related to the upper and lower limb; 2. Explain justification of the x-ray request based on patient presentation and clinical indications for skeletal imaging of the upper and lower limb; 3. Explain technical, patient and pathological factors influencing preparation and choice of technique for specific radiographic projections of the upper and lower limb; 4. Apply knowledge of imaging systems and radiation protection principles to ensure optimisation of dose and image quality; 5. Discuss how to adapt and optimize the radiographic technique for different types of patients, pathologies/conditions and/or circumstances; 6. Describe how to correctly undertake radiographic examinations of the upper and lower limb, giving due consideration to: patient preparation, room preparation, selection of appropriate protocols and exposure factors, positioning of patient and image receptor, direction and centering of the x-ray beam and the application of radiation protection measures; 7. Explain how the patient must be treated with respect and care appropriate to their physical and psychological needs, before, during and after performing the radiographic examination; 8. Identify and describe, using the correct anatomical terminology, the structure and orientation of bones, joints and other relevant anatomical structures of the upper and lower limb; 9. Discuss the evaluation criteria of the radiographic image produced; 10. Reflect and discuss the potential impact the image quality may have on the patient’s management and care. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 1. Demonstrate the skills and competencies to produce diagnostic images of the upper and lower limb (under supervision) while providing for the physical and psychological needs of the patient; 2. Analyse the clinical request and justify the x-ray examination of the upper and lower limb; 3. Decide on the radiographic projections to be performed in accordance with the x-ray request, clinical history, clinical indications and patient presentation; 4. Perform correct identification check and pregnancy check (if applicable) of the patient; 5. Care and communicate effectively with the patient before, during and after the x-ray examination of the upper and lower limb; 6. Practice and apply correct positioning techniques for the patient, giving due consideration to the relationship between the patient and image receptor and the use of immobilisation devices; 7. Identify and make use of the most appropriate centring and direction of the x-ray beam; 8. Practice application of radiation protection measures to ensure optimisation of dose and image quality; 9. Adapt and optimize radiographic techniques to the needs of the individual patient; 10. Optimize exposure factors and other parameters to produce the optimum visualisation of the upper and lower limb with the least radiation dose possible; 11. Evaluate radiographic image and discuss the criteria for a good diagnostic image, especially in terms of: confirming patient identification and use of correct markers/legends; explaining contrast, density and sharpness of the resultant image; 12. Identify radiographic anatomy and explain the radiographic appearance of all relevant bony and soft tissue structures, positioning errors and artefacts; 13. Evaluate radiographic image and identify any pathologies/fractures/conditions that are present; 14. Identify pathologies of the upper and lower limb and assess the need for further radiographic projections based on these pathologies; 15. Critically evaluate the radiographic image of the upper and lower limb and decide on the need for any repeat or further projections that will aid in the management and care of the patient; 16. Analyse and solve problems that arise when performing an x-ray of the upper and lower limb using appropriate guidelines and research evidence. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings Adam A, & Dixon, AK (2007) Grainger & Allison’s Diagnostic Radiology: 2 Vol Set (5th ed.) Churchill Livingstone Aichinger, H, et al (2003) Radiation Exposure and Image Quality in X-Ray Diagnostic Radiology: Physical Principles and Clinical Applications. Springer American College of Emergency Physicians (2010), ACEP First Aid Manual (3rd Ed), DK Publishing Ball, JL, & Price T, (2010) Chesney’s Radiographic Imaging (6th ed.), Wiley-Blackwell Bontrager, KL & Lampignano J (2009) Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy (7th ed.), Mosby Carter, PH et al, (1994), Chesney's Equipment for Student Radiographers, (4th ed.) Blackwell Science Carlton, R & Adler A, (2005), Principles of Radiographic Imaging: An Art and a Science, Delmar Publication Culmer P, (1995), Chesney’s Care of the Patient in Diagnostic Radiography, 7th Edition Blackwell Science Ehrlich, RA & Daly, JA (2008) Patient Care in Radiography: With an Introduction to Medical Imaging (7th ed.), Mosby Frank, ED, Long, BW & Smith, BJ (2007) Merrill’s Atlas of Radiographic Positioning and Procedures (11th ed.), Mosby Morrison, WB, & Sanders, TG, (2008) Problem solving in Musculoskeletal Imaging, Mosby Stabin, MG (2007) Radiation Protection and Dosimetry: An Introduction to Health Physics. Springer Suetens, P (2009) Fundamentals of Medical Imaging (2nd ed.) Churchill Livingstone Eisenberg, RL & Johnson NM (2007) Comprehensive Radiographic Pathology (4th ed.), Mosby Kowalczyk, N & Mace, JD (2008) Radiographic Pathology for Technologists (5th ed.), Mosby Mayer-Baese, A (2003) Pattern Recognition for Medical Imaging, Academic Press |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Demonstrations and Lectures | ||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Paul Bezzina (Co-ord.) Pierre Demicoli |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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