An experimental shoulder ultrasonic training program in the clinical laboratory

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to verify the validity of a shoulder ultrasonic training program in the clinical laboratory for human resource development. Methods: Three technicians were trained under this program for 1 year. We evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of shoulder ultrasound (SUS) findings in comparison with the intraoperative findings in 20 cases. SUS was performed in pairs during training, and SUS was performed by the technician alone at 1 year. At the end of the program, the diagnostic accuracy was of the instructor and the three technicians was evaluated using Fisher’s test. Results: There was no significant difference between the instructor and three technicians in terms of evaluation of the long head of biceps tendon (LHBT), subscapularis tendon, supraspinatus tendon, and infraspinatus tendon before surgery. At the start of this program, the accuracy of SUS findings for the LHBT was 69% (technicians 1: 70%, 2: 72%, and 3: 65%) and that for the subscapularis tendon was 53% (technicians 1: 50%, 2: 50%, and 3: 60%). After completion of the program, the accuracy of SUS findings for the LHBT improved to 80% (technicians 1: 85%, 2: 80%, and 3: 75%) and that for the subscapularis tendon improved to 71% (technicians 1: 65%, 2: 65%, and 3: 85%). Discussion: The education we provided using the shoulder ultrasonic training program was useful for learning SUS techniques regardless of whether or not the technician had experience with ultrasound examinations. Conclusion: It is conceivable that the shoulder ultrasonic training program is effective for technical guidance.