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. 2016 Apr;52(2):253-62.
Epub 2015 Jul 16.

Clinical utilization of musculoskeletal sonography involving non-physician rehabilitation providers: a scoping review

Shawn C Roll  1 , Christina Asai, Julieann Tsai
Affiliations

Clinical utilization of musculoskeletal sonography involving non-physician rehabilitation providers: a scoping review

Shawn C Roll et al. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2016 Apr.

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal sonography use in point-of-care physical medicine and rehabilitation is rapidly expanding, not only by physiatrists, but also by non-physician rehabilitation providers.

Aim: The aim of the present review was to evaluate the current range, extent and nature of the related literature and to identify emerging areas of evidence for the use of musculoskeletal sonography involving non-physician rehabilitation providers to guide research and clinical practice.

Design: Scoping review.

Setting: Inpatient, outpatient, other.

Population: Musculoskeletal conditions.

Methods: Five databases were searched and 578 unique abstracts were identified and screened for eligibility. Three raters independently read 68 full texts, and 36 articles that reported on applied uses of sonography by non-physician rehabilitation providers were included.

Results: Eighteen studies described direct clinical use, primarily for outcomes measurement (N.=12) or as a biofeedback intervention (N.=10). Twelve laboratory studies were included that related morphology to patient reports or validated clinical interventions. Six additional studies, although not involving non-physician providers, were included as they presented potential valuable uses that were not noted in the other included studies, such as monitoring bone healing, tendon repair, and evaluation of idiopathic symptom reports or non-specific primary diagnoses.

Conclusions: This review indicates that non-physician rehabilitation providers use sonography for outcomes measurement and biofeedback interventions. Research is needed to evaluate effects of these uses on patient outcomes and to explore additional potential uses for clinical reasoning, treatment planning, and monitoring of tissue healing related to intervention.

Clinical rehabilitation impact: Implementation of musculoskeletal sonography by non-physician rehabilitation providers has the potential to be a critically advantageous addition to improve care.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Summary of the expanding role of musculoskeletal sonography in healthcare across various clinical contexts, services and applications
Figure 2
Figure 2
Article selection flow chart from database searches to the final articles included in this scoping review.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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