The translucent cadaver: An evaluation of the use of full body digital x‐ray images and drawings in surface anatomy education

Abstract

It has been noted by staff at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University that medical students neglect the study of surface anatomy during dissection. This study reports on the novel use of Lodox(®) Statscan(®) images in anatomical education, particularly the teaching of surface anatomy. Full body digital X-ray images (Lodox Statscan) of each cadaver (n = 40) were provided to second year medical students. During dissection students were asked to visualize landmarks, organs, and structures on the digital X-ray and their cadaver, as well as palpate these landmarks and structures on themselves, their colleagues, and the cadaver. To stimulate student engagement with surface anatomy, dissection groups were required to draw both the normal and actual position of organs on a laminated image provided. The accuracy of the drawings was subsequently assessed and students were further assessed by means of practical identification tests. In addition, students were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire. A response rate of 79% was obtained for the student questionnaire. From the questionnaire it was gathered that students found the digital X-ray images beneficial for viewing most systems' organs, except for the pelvic organs. Although it appears that students still struggle with the study of surface anatomy, most students believed that the digital X-rays were beneficial to their studies and supported their continued use in the future.

Exploring the Physiological and Physical Effects of Acupuncture Using Ultrasound

“…Moreover, the use of bony landmarks may be limited in areas with deeper bone structures, for example, in the pelvic region. 1 …”

“…The physiological changes in blood flow during acupuncture needle insertion have been explored using different forms of Doppler imaging including laser Doppler perfusion imaging, 1 laser Doppler flowmetry, 2 and ultrasound colour Doppler. 3 However, a review of the literature found no study exploring the effects of acupuncture on blood vessel size and muscle strain.…”

Use of X-Rays to Study Acupuncture Points of the Hand: Implications for Education

“…In recent years, Western medical education has utilised X-rays 1 and CT 2 of cadavers to enable students to better comprehend human anatomy, with positive responses. In a previous study, we explored the potential use of ultrasonography for the location of anatomical points.…”

Evidence‐based surface anatomy

“…An appropriate knowledge of anatomy, particularly of surface anatomy, is needed to undertake physical examinations and interventional procedures safely and effectively and to interpret diagnostic images. For many general practitioners, the vast majority of the anatomy that they use may be surface anatomy (Kotzé et al, 2012). For interventionists, direct visualization techniques, e.g., ultrasound guidance in regional anesthesia, have not displaced the need to know the relevant anatomy, including surface anatomy: for anesthetists and anesthesiologists, the mantra that ''regional anesthesia is applied anatomy.…”

“…Assuming that surface anatomy, hopefully evidence-based, is not consigned to the long grass, when and how it should be taught? Novel pedagogic approaches, such as using body painting or drawing on a ''translucent cadaver'' (laminated photographs of full body digital X-rays), appear to engage students in the process of knowledge acquisition (Op Den Akker et al, 2002;Aggarwal et al, 2006;McMenamin, 2008;Finn and McLachlan, 2010;Finn et al, 2011), but do not necessarily aid the subsequent implementation of that knowledge in the clinic (Kotzé et al, 2012). This resonates with my experience that the surface anatomical knowledge of some recent medical graduates and surgical trainees often bears a striking resemblance to the childhood guessing game of ''pin the tail on the donkey.''…”