Self-Guided Study Module for Upper and Lower Limb Radiological Anatomy

Abstract This resources is one of five in a series of self-guided radiological anatomy modules intended as a supplemental resource for gross anatomy instruction. The upper and lower limb modules are each comprised of a study guide of approximately 1–2 hours' duration and an associated file of labeled images. The aim of the guides is to make the often daunting task of learning radiological anatomy more accessible to students by focusing on important spatial relationships, basic radiological principles, and clinical correlations. The guides can be used fully with just the images provided, although learners are encouraged to use their preferred normal radiological anatomy atlas to take advantage of the extensive additional technologies available. The study guides have been used successfully as a series for 4 years for a medical gross anatomy course, and the guides here include changes and improvements over those years of implementations. The guides were also formally studied as part of the series in 2008 and demonstrated almost a letter grade improvement on radiological and gross anatomy exams when students used them. These materials were successfully implemented annually since 2008. Included here are the 2011 materials with additional edits based on multiple years' experience with the materials. Each year students gave very positive anecdotal feedback. Formal evaluation of the 2008 version as part of the entire series demonstrated statistically and practically significant higher radiology and gross anatomy exam scores (approximately a letter grade) when students utilized the study guides.