Purpose
This Basic Pediatric Hemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection and Ultrasound (HEAD-US) Course is designed for physical therapists, physicians, and advanced practice providers who care for pediatric bleeding disorder patients seeking to develop foundational skills in ultrasound with a focus on musculoskeletal assessment and joint pathology using the Hemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with Ultrasound (HEAD-US) protocol. Over two and a half days, participants will engage in a combination of didactic lectures, hands-on scanning practice, and interactive case discussions to reinforce key ultrasound principles. The curriculum covers ultrasound physics, equipment optimization, normal joint anatomy, and scanning techniques for the elbow, knee, and ankle using the HEAD-US protocol. Participants will also gain experience in recognizing common pathological findings, including osteochondral damage, acute hemarthrosis and joint recess distension by effusion and synovial proliferation. Finally, the course also introduces key considerations for musculoskeletal imaging in children and a concise overview of HEAD-US scoring of hemophilic arthropathy, aspects that will be explored in-depth in the advanced course. Join us for a specialized training experience led by Drs. Carlo Martinoli, Nihal Bakeer, and Kyle Davis, along with the highly experienced physicians and physical therapists at Innovative Hematology. This course focuses on foundational skills (Level I) and does not cover advanced topics, such as muscle injuries, advanced pediatric arthropathy detection, or HEAD-US scoring calibration. For those interested in these advanced topics, we offer a separate advanced course (Level II).
Not sure which course is right for you?
Prospective attendees are advised to carefully review the Course Comparison Chart/Eligibility Criteria for the Basic and Advanced courses before applying to ensure the chosen course aligns with your educational needs.
Objectives
At the conclusion of this live activity, the participants should be better able to:
- Develop fundamental ultrasound skills
Understand the principles of ultrasound physics, equipment adjustment, and scanning techniques to accurately assess musculoskeletal structures.
- Perform systematic joint ultrasound examinations
Acquire proficiency in the HEAD-US protocol, including anatomical review and hands-on scanning of the elbow, knee, and ankle in person with and without hemophilia, all under expert guidance.
- Identify normal and pathological findings
Recognize normal joint anatomy and interpret key pathological ultrasound findings, including synovial changes, hemarthrosis, and osteochondral surface abnormalities.
- Gain basic understanding of pediatric ultrasound scanning and HEAD-US scoring
Learn the anatomical nuances of the immature skeleton and key considerations for musculoskeletal imaging in children. Develop a basic understanding of the HEAD-US scoring system for hemophilia arthropathy in this age group.
Target Audience
Physical therapists, physicians, and advance practice providers who currently are, and have been, working at a Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) for at least six (6) months.
Eligibility Criteria
To attend the Basic Pediatric Hemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection and Ultrasound (HEAD-US) course, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be employed at a Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) in a bleeding disorder patient-facing role for at least six (6) months.
- Provide care to pediatric patients. Lifespan providers are also eligible to apply.
- Have access to a point-of-care MSKUS device at the HTC place of employment.
- Work at an HTC that intends to have dedicated staff to perform MSKUS.
- While beneficial, no prior MSKUS experience is required for this course.
- We will accept up to two (2) individuals from the same HTC to attend the Beginner course.
- Submitted applications will automatically be sent to the Regional Administrator for review/approval; their review/approval of the application is a required step to confirm registration acceptance at the program.
- Prospective attendees are advised to carefully review the Description and Learning Objectives for both the Basic and Advanced courses before applying to ensure the chosen course aligns with your educational needs. Course Comparison Chart/Eligibility Criteria
- Apply for this program by completing the Application Form.
- Apply Now
Cost and Travel Information
- There is no registration fee to attend a Partners Program.
- Once registered, you will be contacted at least 4 weeks before the program with logistical details, including air and ground transportation and hotel information. All registrants are encouraged to read the Partners Travel Policy to understand costs that are covered and costs that you may incur.
- The Partners in Bleeding Disorders Education Program is supported by an independent medical education grant(s). Travel and lodging for program participants are made possible by an at-will contribution from the Indiana Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center.
Notifications
- Upon attending any Partners in Bleeding Disorders Education Program meetings or special events, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and Partners release, publication, exhibition, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by Partners and its employees or affiliates.
- Please note that your contact information as stated in your profile may be made available to program attendees. Sharing of contact information with attendees at the program you attend is for the purpose of networking with colleagues.
Annual Dates
Application Form
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