Perspective Chapter: Recent Advances in Musculo-Skeletal Ultrasound

Medical imaging specialists continue to explore better ways of demonstrating pathology and anatomy of the musculo-skeletal system. The continuous quest is fuelled by the desire to improve diagnostic yield, perform procedures more quickly and accurately, reduce risks to patient or operator, achieve better cost efficiency and utilize less complex methodologies. In many instances, musculoskeletal ultrasound acts as a screening, diagnostic tool but also guide and monitor therapeutic interventions. The paper outlines the use of ultrasound in the imaging of peripheral nerve disorders, traumatic and atraumatic joint disorders, Doppler techniques such as super micro vascular Imaging and sono-elastography. Refinements in probe technology and application of digital and novel proprietary software, have continued to improve the resolution of ultrasound images and with finer details on a scale not previously possible. With increasing experience and standardization of protocols, Musculoskeletal ultrasound will continue to play a great role in the diagnostic work-up and treatment of related disorders

Academic achievement among radiography students in a Nigerian university: Does program interest count?

This research assessed the relationship between the level of interest and academic achievement among Radiography students in a Nigerian University, and implications for career counseling. From the population of all the Radiography students (65) in the third, fourth and fifth (final) years, a sample size of forty students was drawn through stratified sampling technique. The ex-post facto research survey method was adopted. The program interest inventory (PII) was developed, validated and used for the study. Data analysis was done through descriptive, correlation coefficient and t-test statistics at 5% level of significance. A significant relationship between students ’ academic performance and the level of interest in Radiography program was revealed. Consequently, students with higher interest levels performed better in cognitive test than their counterparts with low interest level. Gender is considered an important factor, as this study revealed a significant difference in the interest levels of female and male students. The study confirms that the interest level of students in a Radiography program significantly influences their academic performance. The study recommended a targeted counseling service to help students develop genuine interest and love for their chosen careers and to avoid academic failure