Columbia Asia Radiology Group conducted its first MSK Imaging Course in association with the Faculty of British Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and MRI Course.

This 3-day event held between April 25-27, 2014 was held at Columbia Asia Referral Hospital and World Trade Centre, and was organised by experts in the field of MSK Imaging from the Leeds Teaching Hospitals (UK) and the Columbia Asia Radiology Group.

Dr. Philip O’ Connor, Dr. Philip Robinson, Dr. Andrew Grainger, Dr. Harun Gupta pioneers in the field of MSK imaging from Leeds teaching Hospitals were supported by Dr. SrikanthNarayanaswamy and Dr. Rajesh Lavakumar to conduct the course.

Both the courses were designed for a wide spectrum of end-users at varying levels of skill and experience spanning from beginners to  specialists.  Although primarily intended for radiologists, residents and Fellows training or subspecialising in MSK Imaging, the course also benefited the Rheumatologists, Sports Physicians and Orthopedic Surgeons.

The Course covered an exhaustive range of basic and advanced topics enabling participants to understandi ndications for MSK Imaging and its relevance when outlining treatment strategies. Topics included- Anatomy, Pathology,’How, When and Why’ a test or protocol should be used, ‘Approach to Reading an MSK Case’ and Case-Based Discussions highlighting common pitfalls and simplifying complex concepts.

According to the organisers, the course would play an important role in the advancement of MSK Imaging as a subspecialty in India by facilitating interaction between practioners and providing a platform for future scientific meetings, awareness programmes, training and conferences.

“Traditionally with regard to Radiology training in India, although importance has been given to X-ray based diagnosis of MSK pathology, there continues to be a lacuna in formal teaching of ultrasound and MRI skills pertaining to diagnosis of MSK pathology. This course brought together the specialist faculty from UK, each of whom are at the forefront of MSK Imaging and is customised to meet delegates' experience level and clinical needs,” stated  Dr. Rajesh Lavakumar, Lead MSK Imaging for Columbia Asia Radiology Group.

“The specialty is vast and it encompasses diagnosis and therapy of all kinds of ailments affecting the musculoskeletal system ranging from congenital deformities, infections, cancers, joint diseases and trauma- both accidental and sport-related. Patients always stand to gain from specialised, modern, evidence-based care,” added Dr. Lavakumar.

MSK Imaging or Musculoskeletal Radiology is a branch of Radiology dedicated to the diagnostic imaging of the musculoskeletal system that includes bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, adjoining neuromuscular structures and soft tissues. MSK Imaging utilises all imaging modalities including X-rays, Ultrasound, CT, MRI and Nuclear Medicine. It also includes Interventional or Therapeutic MSK procedures that use guidance from Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy and CT. These procedures range from biopsies to therapeutic injections at targeted locations.