Units
Radiographic Image Interpretation
Unit code: CSB531
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit is designed to give the student of podiatric medicine an understanding and ability to recognise normal and abnormal foot radiographs. It also enables the student to utilise radiology as an important diagnostic tool in foot pathology.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit is positioned in the course so that it can be studied in association with pathology and medicine since these subjects are closely interconnected in the clinical setting. The unit helps to prepare for the forthcoming challenges of complex case management which will be encountered in fourth year clinical sessions.
Aims
This unit aims to integrate the theory of medical imaging with podiatry practice at a level corresponding to third and fourth year clinical exposure in preparation for entry to the work place.
Objectives
By the completion of this unit you will be able to:
- list the rules for safe, ethical and appropriate use of radiographic, ultrasonic and advanced imaging techniques for use in the assessment of the lower limb
- use the correct professional terminology associated with radiographic and ultrasonic imaging
- chart a plain film x-ray of the foot in both the sagittal and transverse plane views
- determine whether the radiographic and/or ultrasonic appearance of a foot is normal or demonstrates pathology
- describe, using appropriate professional terminology, the appearance of pathologies viewed on images of the lower extremity below the knee
- discuss, with staff, the relevance of diagnostic imaging techniques and their use in the assessment and treatment of the lower extremity with respect to specific clinical cases
- demonstrate safe and effective use of ultrasound imaging equipment in the QUT podiatry clinic
These learning outcomes address elements of the Australian and New Zealand Competencies Standards for Podiatrists from the Australian and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council (ANZPAC), primarily:
- PC 1. Practise podiatry in a professional manner
- PC 2. Continue to acquire and review knowledge for ongoing clinical and professional practice improvement
- PC 4. Conduct patient/client Interview and physical examination
- PC 5. Analyse Interpret and diagnose
- PC 6. Develop a patient/client-focused management plan
- PC 7. Implement and evaluate management plan
These learning outcomes support the development of students towards demonstrating QUT graduate capabilities:
- knowledge and skills pertinent to the professional area
- critical, creative and analytical thinking, and effective problem-solving
- effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes
- the capacity for life-long learning.
Content
- Introduction to x-rays
- Biological effects of radiation and radiation safety
- Radiographic projections and the future of image display
- Advanced imaging modalities
- Aspects of film quality and film artefacts
- Systematic approach to radiographic diagnosis
- Developmental and normal variants
- Biomechanical examination of plain x-rays
- Arthritis
- Tarsal coalitions
- Fractures & soft tissue injury
- Infection
- Osteonecrosis and osteochondrosis
- Metabolic, endocrine and nutritional disorders
- Bone tumours and tumour-like conditions
- Skeletal dysplasia
- Practical radiological diagnosis for common podiatric conditions
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit will be available in internal mode. The unit's Blackboard page will be used for information regarding group allocation, teaching and learning materials, and important messages. Lectures, tutorials and workshops are used in this unit to support your learning.
Assessment
There are three assessments to be completed at the end of the semester.Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. You will be provided with feedback on all your assessments as you progress through the unit. You will receive formative and summative feedback from Assessment Items 1 and 2. You will also receive formative feedback through online practice activities e.g. radiology quizzes.
Assessment name:
Examination (written)
Description:
You will be required to complete a written theory examination based on your learning to date.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2 and 3
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Mid Semester
Assessment name:
Examination (written)
Description:
You will be required to complete a multiple choice theory examination based on your learning to date.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3 and 4
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 9
Assessment name:
Laboratory/Practical
Description:
You will be required to complete an Objective Structured Clinical Exam to assess your knowledge and skills in this area.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Exam Period
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
You will be provided with workbook as pdf notes via the unit's online page, a CD of 200 radiographic cases, diagnostic ultrasound machine.
Recommended Text Book
Christman, R.A. (2003). Foot and Ankle Radiology. Melbourne: Churchill Livingstone.
References
A workbook and CD Rom are supplied as the key resources for this unit, however it is recommended that you refer to the following additional material:
Lorimer et al. (2006). Neale's Common Foot Disorders - Diagnosis and management (chapter on diagnostic imaging). (7th ed.). Melbourne: Churchill Livingstone.
Merriman, L.M. et al. (2009). Assessment of the lower limb (chapter on diagnostic imaging). (3rd ed). Melbourne: Churchill Livingstone.
Mahadevan, V. et al. (1999). Interactive Foot & Ankle CD ROM. London: Primal Pictures.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit
Substantial computer-based work will be required and you will need to take care that you are working in a safe and ergonomically-sound environment (that is, avoidance of eyestrain, headaches, and physical stress on neck, back, arms and hands). Please consider your seating (heights, angles and distances) and the lighting in your work area (to avoid glare). The physical placement and organisation of peripheral devices, cables and extension cords should be managed to reduce danger to persons or property. Do not use unsafe electrical cords.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 19-Dec-2012
