Due to its several advantages (inexpensive, non-invasive, easily accessible, does not contain radiation, provides quantification and comparative/dynamic real-time imaging), musculoskeletal ultrasonography has been recognized to have a paramount role in the realm of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (1–3). In order to foster the academic strength of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) physician sonographers, we established a study group (EURO-MUSCULUS) in 2010. The abbreviation MUSCULUS (Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography Study group) implies that the group pertains to musculoskeletal physicians.

One of the foremost aims of EURO-MUSCULUS (4) is to expedite the relevant education process European-wide. In this regard, we have begun to organize annual beginner/intermediate courses. EURO-MUSCULUS-I was held in Gent, 2010, where 41 colleagues from Belgium, Turkey, Portugal, Austria, Slovenia, Holland, Lithuania and Greece attended. Although our courses comprise mainly hands-on practice (5–6 participants/machine), we also had additional lectures on electro-shockwave therapy under ultrasound guidance and interventional ultrasonography in Gent. EURO-MUSCULUS-II was organized this year in Antalya, in parallel with TURK-MUSKULUS (5). Overall, 70 participants from Turkey, Belgium, Greece, Holland, Portugal, Romania, Estonia and Iran were present. In addition to normal joint evaluations; real-time patient demonstrations, lectures on relevant pathologies and practice in interventional ultrasound (Fig. 1) were also carried out.

Fig. 1. Practicing for interventional ultrasound using cheese, inside which there is a metal pin linked to an electric circuit. A needle linked to the same circuit is inserted under ultrasound guidance. The participant being observed has precisely touched the metal pin with the tip of the needle, and thus succeeded in lighting the small lamp by completing the electrical circuit.

EURO-MUSCULUS (4) was founded with Turkey and Belgium as the leading countries; but it also encompasses colleagues from other European countries. We hope that we will have the chance to collaborate with increasing number of PRM physicians in the near future. The ultrasound probe has already become the “stethoscope” or “extended hand” of musculoskeletal physicians, and acquaintance with the use of muskuloskeletal ultrasonography should be on a PRM physician’s agenda. In addition, it is necessary to develop a standardized international approach to ultrasound training and assessment for PRM physician sonographers. Finally, for those who would like to “sono-auscultate”, we can announce that EURO-MUSCULUS-III will be held in Gent, Belgium, on 18–22 June 2012.

References

Submitted May 6, 2011; accepted May 18, 2011

Levent Özçakar, MD1*, Martine De Muynck, MD2 and Guy Vanderstraeten, MD2

From the 1Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey and 2Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Gent University Medical School, Gent, Belgium. *E-mail: lozcakar@yahoo.com