Assessment of Anatomical Landmarks Identification by Physiotherapy Students in Clinical Placement at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital

Accurate identification of surface anatomical landmarks is a foundational competence for physiotherapists, underpinning skills in manual assessment, electrotherapy electrode placement, joint mobilisation, and postural analysis. Deficiencies in landmark identification can compromise clinical assessments and adversely affect treatment outcomes. In the context of physiotherapy education in northern Nigeria, there is limited empirical evidence on the anatomical landmark identification proficiency of students transitioning from academic to clinical environments. This study aims to assess the accuracy of anatomical landmark identification among final-year physiotherapy students during clinical placement at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, North East Nigeria. A structured landmark identification examination involving 30 surface anatomy stations will be conducted, with students evaluated on the accuracy of identifying bony prominences, joint lines, and neurovascular reference points across the upper limb, lower limb, and trunk. Performance data will be correlated with cadaveric anatomy exposure, theoretical examination scores, and self-assessed confidence levels. Findings will be used to recommend anatomy curriculum enhancements and structured surface anatomy workshops for physiotherapy programmes in North East Nigeria.

Keywords: surface anatomy, landmark identification, physiotherapy education, Maiduguri, clinical placement