Cadaveric Ultrasound Guided Spinal Injections Course

Cadaveric Ultrasound Guided Spinal Injections Course

This unique two-day course is ideal for doctors who are new to ultrasound-guided spinal injections or those looking to improve their current skills and expand their injection repertoire. It provides essential knowledge and techniques on Day 1, followed by hands-on practice in a cadaveric lab on Day 2, offering the perfect learning experience to build your confidence, skills and expertise.

Please note: This is not a competency-based course. Delegates will be expected to carry out supervised practice within their own clinical setting to consolidate and develop the skills introduced here.

Day 1: Foundations and Skill Development

The first day, held in a clinical skills lab, focuses on building theoretical knowledge and practical techniques. The topics covered include:

• How to scan the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacroiliac spine in a standardised manner.
• Understanding the sonoanatomy of the spine to ensure accurate identification of injection sites.
• Mastering needle visualisation, including in-plane and out-of-plane techniques, for enhanced injection precision.
• Exploring interventional spinal injection procedures and their clinical relevance.
• Understanding the complexities of injection therapy, including potential pitfalls and medico-legal considerations.

Practical workshops will cover scanning techniques, identifying key anatomical targets for injections, and preparing you for carrying out ultrasound-guided spinal procedures the next day on the cadavers.

Day 2: Cadaveric Lab Experience

The second day takes place in the state-of-the-art cadaveric lab, providing participants with a realistic environment to apply their skills. Delegates will:

• Perform ultrasound-guided injections of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacroiliac regions on high-quality cadavers.
• Practise needle placement and injection techniques under close supervision from expert tutors.
• Gain confidence in using advanced ultrasound equipment for guided procedures.
• Apply and consolidate the techniques learned on Day 1 in a hands-on setting.

Injections covered:

• Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) injection
• Piriformis injection
• Trigger point injection
• Caudal epidural
• Spinal nerve root injection (cervical, thoracic, lumbar)
• Facet joint injection (cervical & lumbar)

This invaluable hands-on experience ensures participants are ready to integrate these advanced techniques into their clinical practice with confidence.

Prerequisites

• Participants must be medical doctors with extensive clinical experience in spine-related diagnosis and treatments.
• Previous experience and training in diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided injections (USGI) of peripheral joints.

Who should attend

Any UK-based clinician must hold a valid General Medical Council (GMC) number.

This course is ideal for healthcare professionals, including:

• Pain consultants
• Sports doctors
• Orthopaedic surgeons
• Rheumatologists
• General practitioners

If you would like to discuss your eligibility, please email info@ultrasoundtraining.co.uk.

Price: £1,495 per place

08:45 – 09:00 | Registration

09:00 – 9:30 | Key Concepts in Ultrasound Guidance

Basics of ultrasound-guided injections, probe handling, and safety protocols.

09:30 – 11:30 | Demonstration & Practical Workshop: Lumbar Spine & SIJ

Hands-on Practical: Sonoanatomy, injection targets, and needle approaches for: Sacroiliac joint injection; Piriformis injection; Caudal epidural; Lumbar spinal nerve roots; Lumbar facet joint

11:30 – 13:00 | Demonstration & Practical Workshop: Thoracic Spine

Hands-on Practical: Sonoanatomy, injection targets, and needle approaches for: Paravertebral block; Thoracic facet joints; Costovertebral joints

11:45 – 12:45 | Knee Part 1

Anterior Practical: Distal quadriceps; Infrapatellar tendon; Fat pads, suprapatellar recess. Medial: MCL; Peripheral margin medial meniscus; Medial retinaculum
Knee Cases: Presentation and discussion. Differential diagnosis, treatment implications. MRI versus US.

13:00 – 13:45 | Lunch

13:45 – 15:45 | Demonstration & Practical Workshop: Cervical Spine

Hands-on Practical: Sonoanatomy, injection targets, and needle approaches for: Cervical spinal nerve roots; Cervical facet joints; Trigger point injections

15:45 – 16:30 | Day 1 Recap 

Group discussion, Q&A, and preparation for Day 2.

08:45 – 09:00 | Registration & Lab Preparation

Gowning, lab safety briefing, specimen overview and ultrasound protocols.

09:00 – 09:30 | Tutor Demonstration: Lumbar & SIJ Injections 

Tutor demonstration of: Sacroiliac joint injection; Piriformis injection; Caudal epidural; Lumbar spinal nerve roots; Lumbar facet joint

09:30 – 11:00 | Hands-On Practical

Delegates practice lumbar and SIJ injections with faculty supervision.

11:00 – 11:30 | Demonstration: Thoracic Spine Injections 

Tutor demonstration of: Paravertebral block; Thoracic facet joints; Costovertebral joints

11:30 – 12:30 | Hands-On Practical

Delegates practice thoracic spine injections with faculty supervision.

12:30 – 13:15 | Lunch

13:15 – 13:45 | Demonstration: Cervical Spine Injections 

Tutor-led injection techniques for cervical spine procedures. Cervical facet joints; Trigger point injections

13:45 – 15:15 | Hands-On Practical

Delegates practice cervical spine injections with faculty supervision.

15:15 – 16:15 | Revision Workshop All Regions 

Delegates revisit specific areas or challenging injection techniques of their choice.

16:15 – 16:30 | Closing Remarks