Evidence suggests a poor inter-operator reliability in the manual finding of some body landmarks as well as in the manual identification of somatic dysfunction and of its features. However, most of the osteopathic training delivered in both full and part time courses is actually based on the developing of the student’s ability in identifying altered body functions through palpatory examination and specific functional test. Ecographic and elastosonographic evaluation may provide a fundamental, non-invasive tool at reasonable costs to support and integrate osteopathic education at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, through the assessment of most visceral, fascial and fluid body motions. The application of real-time ultrasound screening will be discussed in its advantages and limits on 1) verifying the appropriate operator’s hand position during palpatory examination and osteopathic testing (visceral, fascial, muscolo-skeletal?); 2) verifying the actual presence of somatic dysfunction and of some of its features where they have been identified through osteopathic evaluation; 3) investigating some functional changes following osteopathic technique or treatment; 4) assessing, in clinical context, pathological or dysfunctional areas in patients such as following a traumatic, surgical or inflammatory event. In addition, the potential of integrating ultrasound assessment in osteopathic research, beside osteopathic training and clinical settings, is also vast and should be considered by any osteopathic institution, especially if aiming at scientific publications. Finally, it will be presented a brief overview of the purchasing and maintenance costs of the most relevant ultrasound devices of osteopathic interest.

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Paolo Tozzi: MSc Ost. in 2012 (D); Doctorat in Osteopathy and Posturology in 2006 (B); Bachelor Science Honours Degree in Osteopathy in 2005 (UK); Degree in Physiotherapy in 2000 (IT). Vice principal of the School of Osteopathy CROMON of Rome since 2006; Principal of the First Italian School of Veterinary Osteopathy since 2012; Vice principal of the Italian Association of Posturologists since 2009; Treasurer of Os.E.A.N. from 2008 to 2013. Reviewer for the IJOM since 2012; Member of the Fascia Science Clinical Applications Advisory Board of the JBMT since 2012

Davide Bongiorno: Degree in Medicine and Surgery at University of Milan 1989; Specialization in General Surgery at the University of Milan 1994; Diploma in Osteopathy at C.E.R.D.O. institute in 2002; Tutor for the S.I.U.M.B. National Congress until 2000; Lecture and speaker of many postgraduate courses on ultrasound evaluation and diagnosis in Italy and North Africa (M.A.S.U. ? Mediterranean and African Society of Ultrasound)