This study aimed to report the specific methods and investigate the educational effects of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound training and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for traditional medicine students. Scanning volar wrist and diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome were selected for musculoskeletal ultrasound to train students to use the basic functions of the ultrasound device and scan various structures including tendons, nerves, and arteries. The students were divided into two groups: one group had 8 weeks of training with mock OSCE experience and received feedback about their scan images, and the other group had 3 weeks of training with flipped learning. The OSCE was implemented on the last day of the training. The subjective learning outcomes were analyzed as students’ evaluation with a 5-point scale, and the objective learning outcomes were analyzed using OSCE scores evaluated with a pre-validated checklist. Of the 111 students, 60 (54.1%) responded to the questionnaire. Overall satisfaction with this ultrasound training was high (4.5 ± 0.60). The average OSCE score in the 8-week group was significantly higher than that in the 3-week group. The students’ self-assessment showed no significant differences between the two groups. Proficiency in using ultrasound is affected by the practice time and feedback. Ultrasound training should be further expanded as a required curriculum to meet students’ needs and achieve learning objectives in the clinical skills education of Korean medicine colleges. Further studies are needed on ultrasound education, especially guided interventions for traditional medicine students.

Background: The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is used in the colleges of Korean Medicine, but few studies have validated the OSCE evaluation criteria or post-education questionnaires. Diagnostic ultrasound is used in Korean medicine treatment including acupuncture, acupotomy, and pharmacopuncture to increase the safety and efficacy of treatment. We aimed to develop and validate a OSCE checklist and questionnaire for diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound training.Methods: A OSCE checklist and rubric for diagnostic ultrasound training, and questionnaire was developed using literature research. Eight expert panelists verified each draft item in a single-round survey. Items with a content validity ratio (CVR) < 0.75 were excluded or modified to reflect the experts’ opinions.Results: The OSCE checklist and rubric for diagnostic ultrasound training focusing on volar wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome included: 15 items revised according to CVR and expert opinions, the pre-examination procedure, structures to be identified by ultrasound, scans with 2 diagnostic criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome, an explanation of the exam results, and the post exam procedure. The questionnaire consisted of 15 items, including the overall evaluation of training, the effect of the OSCE, and the perception of the ultrasound. All 6 self-evaluation items were not revised, as they had a CVR of ≥ 0.75.Conclusion: An ultrasound OSCE for scanning the volar wrist and diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome was developed using 15 validated tasks, 15 survey questions about ultrasound training, and 6 questions for selfevaluation. These results may be used in the future for education in diagnostic ultrasound.

Taeseok Ahn, Daeook Lee, Jihyun Moon, Jiwoo Kim, Youngjo So, Hyeon-gyu Cho, Sangho Ji, Sangkwan Lee, Myungjin Oh, Cheol-Hyun Kim. J Pharmacopuncture 2025;28:248-54. https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.248

Introduction: Achilles tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal condition that significantly impairs gait and overall mobility, ultimately reducing the quality of life. It is characterized by activity-induced pain, swelling, and functional limitations, and is often caused by repetitive microtrauma, increased mechanical load, or reduced vascular supply. Without appropriate treatment, abnormal gait patterns such as medial collapse may occur, leading to long-term biomechanical imbalances. Despite available conservative and surgical options, no clear consensus exists regarding optimal management, and many patients fail to respond adequately. These limitations highlight the need for novel pathophysiology-based therapeutic approaches.Case Presentation: A 49-year-old restaurant worker experienced chronic left heel pain for five years and was diagnosed with chronic Achilles tendinopathy accompanied by calcific tendinitis. Previous treatments, including nine triamcinolone-lidocaine injections and ten platelet-rich plasma sessions, resulted in minimal improvement, and surgical intervention was recommended. She received a total of 12 treatment sessions over a 47-day period. The patient underwent a four-stage ultrasound-guided acupuncture protocol. The protocol included the following: (1) management of paratenonitis, (2) fascial release between the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles using pharmacopuncture, (3) removal of neovascularization via high-volume injection, and (4) periosteal pecking technique (also called dry needling, and referred to as Golmak-Jaktak-beop in traditional Korean medicine) and high-frequency electroacupuncture targeting the Achilles tendon insertion. Post-treatment color Doppler ultrasonography showed reduced intratendinous neovascularization. The patient’s Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) subscales demonstrated consistent improvement throughout treatment and at the two-month follow-up.Conclusion: This case suggests that a four-stage ultrasound-guided acupuncture approach may be a potential nonsurgical treatment option for chronic Achilles tendinopathy, especially in patients unresponsive to conventional therapies.

Jihyun Moon, Juhwan Song, Jiwoo Kim, Youngjo So, Hyeon-gyu Cho, Sangho Ji, Myungjin Oh, Sangkwan Lee, Taeseok Ahn, Cheol-Hyun Kim. J Pharmacopuncture 2025;28:154-63. https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2025.28.2.154