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Scottish Rite Is Advancing the Use of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Pediatric Orthopedics and Beyond

Scottish Rite Is Advancing the Use of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Pediatric Orthopedics and Beyond

by | Feb 12, 2024 | Research & Innovation

In many practices, musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) is housed solely in radiology. At Scottish Rite for Children, we are fortunate to also have two practitioners with advanced training and certification in using this tool in clinic. Sports medicine physician Jacob C. Jones, M.D., RMSK, and rheumatology practitioner Heather Benham, D.N.P., APRN, CPNP-PC, RHMSUS, use ultrasound to diagnose and treat patients for a variety of conditions.

Together, Jones and Benham have developed a comprehensive course to teach health care professionals the fundamentals of MSK US. Their extensive ultrasound backgrounds and genuine interest in teaching have come together to produce an impactful experience for the attendees.

More than 70 participants from professions including orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, orthopedic and emergency medicine fellows, physical therapists, advanced practice providers and research personnel have completed the program. Traveling from more than 15 states and two countries, the attendees have all indicated they would be interested in returning for an advanced course and many have referred others to the program.

There are several elements that make this program one-of-a-kind.

  • All faculty have expertise in the use of MSK US in pediatrics.
  • Guest faculty are invited from institutions such as Boston Children’s Hospital, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital.
  • Pediatric models participate in the scanning sessions.
  • Injection sessions integrate a variety of tools including custom-made joint models.
  • Didactic and scanning sessions alternate throughout the day.

Jones and Benham look forward to developing an advanced course to offer in conjunction with the fundamentals course. Join our wait list to hear about it first!

One-of-a-Kind Program Teaches Pediatric Fundamentals in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

One-of-a-Kind Program Teaches Pediatric Fundamentals in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

by | Jun 19, 2023 | Research & Innovation

The use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) is becoming increasingly popular and a point of emphasis in trainee education; however, most training programs focus on conditions in adults. Scottish Rite for Children experts have developed an introductory program to help new users learn about the unique skills and applications in the pediatric setting.

After a successful inaugural course in 2022, Scottish Rite hosted a second MSK US program. The feedback continues to show that we have a unique conference, and we plan to continue offering the program regularly.

This interactive, hands-on program features faculty from a variety of pediatric subspecialities including radiology, rheumatology and sports medicine. Attendees traveled to Frisco, Texas from across the country and internationally with a variety of clinical certifications including physical therapists, sonographers, nurse practitioners, physicians as well as radiology administrators.

Staff were encouraged to hear that all attendees indicated they were “very likely” or “definitely” going to recommend this course to others. Asked about the best part of the program, attendees’ responses are indicative of what future participants should expect:

  • All the hands-on activities intermixed with patient lecture beforehand; the teachers were incredibly kind.
  • Having pediatric patients!! Variety of faculty. Loved having MDS, RMSK, US Sonographer and radiologists. Truly a fantastic course.
  • Short lectures alternating with hands-on
  • Hands-on practice in SMALL groups with EXPERIENCED mentors.
  • It was so helpful having pediatric models – I really learned a lot from the hands-on sessions!
  • Multi-modal approach to learning
  • The dual hands-on and lecture content kept my mind and body awake and elevated the overall learning experience!

Jacob C. Jones, M.D., RMSK, says, “The program is intended to offer an introduction to ultrasound basics including settings, scanning and injection techniques focused on skeletally immature patients.” Throughout the day, more than 20 children and teens ranging from 5 to 19 shared their time with our learners.

After a lecture introducing scanning for rheumatologic conditions, participants observed and practiced scanning patients with active joint inflammation. Nurse practitioner Heather Benham, D.N.P., APRN, CPNP-PC, RhMSUS explains, “We are grateful for these patients and the other children volunteers who make this course so special. It is very difficult to teach these principles when scanning healthy joints.”

During one scanning session, Scottish Rite sonographer Kelly Sherrard, RDMS, demonstrated the techniques of evaluating newborns for developmental dysplasia of the hips. Three-month-old twins served as our models for this exciting addition to the program. The expertise required for this population makes it difficult to include this training in the program, but attendees expressed their appreciation for the demonstration and the complexity of the skill.

Join the email list so you can gain early access to registration for future courses. Our next program is being planned for November 2023.

Pediatric Musculoskeletal Ultrasound at Scottish Rite for Children

Pediatric Musculoskeletal Ultrasound at Scottish Rite for Children

by | Mar 24, 2023 | General News

Pediatric musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is a safe, effective, and painless approach to observing bones, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues in and around joints. At Scottish Rite for Children, ultrasound has been used for many years by our radiologists and ultrasound technologists when diagnosing infantile hip dysplasia and other conditions; however, the possibilities and indications to use ultrasound for other musculoskeletal conditions are increasing. This includes using it with young athletes to better visualize the structure and function of these different tissues.

Many soft tissue conditions and concerns on the surfaces of bones can be diagnosed with ultrasound. Because children have immature bones with areas of soft cartilage, they have unique conditions around the bones and joints that can also be evaluated with ultrasound. Additionally, providing treatments with needles, such as joint aspirations and injections, can be enhanced when ultrasound is available.

In two specific areas of our organization, ultrasound is used by providers at the bedside during an evaluation or procedure. This is called point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and is a way to combine the clinical history and exam with the findings of the ultrasound. For a provider to use this tool, extensive training and many hours of experience are necessary. Pediatric rheumatology nurse practitioner Heather Benham, D.N.P., APRN, CPNP-PC, and sports medicine physician Jacob C. Jones, M.D., RMSK, have met and exceeded those qualifications.

With their extensive experience, they are also equipped to teach others how to use this tool with a younger population. Many programs available are focused on the assessment of soft tissues in a population that is older. Benham and Jones worked together to create the Scottish Rite for Children Pediatric Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Fundamentals Course (PMSKUS). Along with course co-director Vivek Kalia, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., they hosted the inaugural event in November 2022. The next opportunity to take this one-day course will be in May 2023 at the Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center in Frisco.

Learn more.

Sports Medicine Team from Scottish Rite for Children Had Strong Presence at PRiSM 2023

Sports Medicine Team from Scottish Rite for Children Had Strong Presence at PRiSM 2023

by | Feb 15, 2023 | Research & Innovation

The sports medicine team from the Scottish Rite for Children Center for Excellence in Sports Medicine recently attended the 10th Annual Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine (PRiSM) society meeting in Denver, Colorado. Several of our team are founding members in this group leading the way in pediatric sports medicine research.

Medical director of clinical research Henry B. Ellis, M.D., says, “Most conferences are designed to gather one discipline, but this one is inclusive. Scottish Rite had an impressive presence not only in attendance, but also with most of the 23 staff who attended actively contributing.” The Scottish Rite team included sports medicine physicians, pediatric orthopedic surgeons, a radiologist, advanced practice providers, physical therapists, researchers, psychologists and more. Many of them presented and led discussions about important care and treatment techniques for young athletes.

The three-day meeting included a variety of formats for collaboration and learning. Our team presented results from studies at the podium and during poster sessions where authors held conversations with attendees about the projects. The program also included a variety of didactic sessions designed to inform the participants of available evidence on a topic while stimulating discussion for future research.

Some of the noteworthy accomplishments of our team include:

  • Our director of Movement Science Sophia Ulman, Ph.D., had an active role in multiple aspects of the meeting. Ulman hosted a program with other movement science experts teaching best practices on applying motion capture in return to sports decision making. Bioengineer Alex Loewen, M.S., and Ben Johnson, P.A.-C., presented a study on measuring changes in pelvic tilt before and after hip surgery. Ulman and Loewen shared another study designed to improve accuracy of trunk testing across movement science labs. Additionally, biomechanist Ashley Erdman, B.S., M.B.A., presented results of a ballerina survey on pointe readiness.
  • Perfectly aligned with her passion, Ulman officially assumed responsibility as chair of the Injury Prevention Research Interest Group and provided her peers with the latest research updates on using movement science to facilitate sports injury prevention protocols.
  • Musculoskeletal ultrasound expert and sports medicine physician Jacob C. Jones, M.D., RMSK, gave a report on the state of pediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound to the society attending the conference. His specialty in this methodology solidified him as the top choice to address the group with the latest and greatest in the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound for pediatric sports medicine patients. Additionally, Jones presented a poster addressing the use of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound in gymnasts.
  • Shane M. Miller, M.D., concluded his two-year term as chair of the PRiSM Concussion Research Interest Group. This means he led collaborative efforts with others from around the country to improve the identification and treatment of concussions in young athletes and to create a better understanding of the condition. In addition to this national collaboration, our team worked on other concussion projects. Jones shared results of a study on concussions in young athletes, comparing injuries by position in soccer players.
  • Elbow and shoulder injuries in throwing athletes continue to be a concern for pediatric sports medicine experts across the country. Sports surgery pair Philip L. Wilson, M.D., and Chuck Wyatt, M.S., CPNP, RNFA, shared results from several projects aimed at improving all aspects of care in two upper extremity scientific sessions. In addition to sharing results of Scottish Rite studies on elbow injuries in young athletes, Wilson shared results from a multi-center group focused on clavicle fractures called FACTS.
  • Three of our physical therapists, Jessica Dabis, P.T., D.P.T., O.C.S., Katie Holehouse, P.T., D.P.T., CSCS, and Jacob Landers, P.T., D.P.T., O.C.S., CSCS, presented projects at the meeting.
  • Our sports psychologists Emily Stapleton, Psy.D., and Emily Gale, Ph.D., presented on mental health screening tools and the presentation of suicidality in young athletes.
  • One of our student interns Sarp Sahin was one of five students awarded a grant from PRiSM to attend and present at the conference. As an undergrad at Washington and Lee University, Sarp was proud to present a novel project that he has been working on since high school. His efforts were recognized by sports medicine clinicians and appreciated by many.

The sports medicine staff’s expertise was shared with other sports medicine clinicians around the country to improve care for young athletes near and far. In return, our team learned valuable information that will impact how we care for young athletes at Scottish Rite. With 23 staff members from the Scottish Rite Sports Medicine team attending, we had a well-rounded, multi-disciplinary representation, and the team returned inspired to continue to contribute to the future of the field of pediatric sports medicine.

Learn more about our Sports Medicine team.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: How It Helps Your Child

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: How It Helps Your Child

by | Jan 30, 2023 | Sports Medicine

Sports medicine physician Jacob C. Jones, M.D., RMSK, is a musculoskeletal ultrasound expert with advanced training in using ultrasound to evaluate and treat sport-related injuries in children and teens. This commonly used technology uses sound waves to create pictures of the tissues inside the body. Our medical staff regularly partner with our Radiology team to use ultrasound to evaluate and treat sports conditions, and now, Jones will bring that technology and care into the clinic for wider use and immediate accessibility.

After completing a full year of a sports medicine fellowship, Jones spent another year honing his skills in musculoskeletal ultrasound. With a real-time view of the bones and soft tissues, he can provide additional information without exposure to radiation, as with X-rays. In addition to providing images to help diagnose a condition, ultrasound can also be used to guide injections to make sure the medicine goes right where it is needed.

Jones has special training and extensive experience using ultrasound to evaluate injured joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and bones. Because many sport-related injuries cause discomfort with certain movements, the images are more helpful in diagnosing some conditions than X-rays. He is able to provide results immediately to patients and their families. Occasionally, further consultation with a Scottish Rite pediatric radiologist or additional imaging may be appropriate.

Conditions are Commonly Diagnosed with Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Children and Young Athletes

  • Ligament sprains
  • Tendon injuries
  • Bursitis
  • Presence of foreign objects
  • Muscle strains
  • Trapped nerves
  • Some fractures

Learn more about pediatric sports medicine.