October 16, 2017 — Konica Minolta Healthcare Americas Inc. supported ultrasound education for physiatrists in physical medicine and rehabilitation by sponsoring workshops at the annual assembly of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R), Oct. 12-15 in Denver.
Educational opportunities in the Konica Minolta booth focused on ultrasound implementation within physiatry practices, with featured speakers Todd P. Stitik, M.D., president of the New Jersey Society of PM&R, and Cliff Gronseth, M.D., founder of Spine West-Physiatry & Sports Physicians. Stitik discussed the advantages of using ultrasound guidance in shoulder injections, and Gronseth presented a case study on a partial tear of the biceps tendon at the radial tuberosity.
While physiatrists have historically relied on their understanding of anatomy and physical examination, the use of ultrasound is growing in importance for diagnosis, treatment planning and interventions, such as guided injections in pain management. Ultrasound may also be an excellent adjunct to EMG nerve conduction and help enhance the patient-provider relationship, including assisting with patient education regarding their diagnosis and therapy.
Konica Minolta sponsored two Learning Center Workshops dedicated to imaging and ultrasound-guided chemodenervation, as well as eight Ultrasound Workshops. The workshops, directed by leading experts in physiatry, were designed to provide a hands-on and interactive learning experience.
The company also showcased the SonImage HS1, an advanced and compact ultrasound system with musculoskeletal (MSK) functionality providing superior image detail and contrast resolution, along with the new portable J5 Ultrasound System.
SonImage HS1 delivers superior image quality and needle visualization to support rapid, confident decisions at the point-of-care, according to the company. A simplified eight-button console and intuitive touch screen combine with focused MSK exam presets to minimize the learning curve. Enhanced signal penetration, increased color flow sensitivity and improved resolution deliver detailed tissue differentiation, enabling clinicians to detect structures as small as several hundred microns. In conjunction with beam-steering technology, the HS1 incorporates an advanced algorithm that utilizes both the in-plane and the out-of-plane methods to improve needle visibility, especially in steep angle approaches. The resulting clarity of the needle enables increased accuracy in needle placement.
The J5 Ultrasound System offers touchscreen simplicity and intuitive workflow with focused MSK exams in a compact, portable footprint. It is well suited for evaluations that require needle visualization for ultrasound-guided injections and biopsies, and is optimized for the office environment. A three-second start-up time from standby, touch-enabled MSK specific settings and precise fingertip measurement control help improve workflow.
For more information: www.konicaminolta.com/medicalusa
