BACKGROUND: Metaphyseal forearm fractures are a common pathology in any emergency department. The standard diagnostic procedure involves X-rays of the forearm and wrist. As former studies have shown that these fractures can be visualized using ultrasound, we compared the accuracy of sonographic and X-ray diagnostics. METHODS: From January 2007 to May 2008, a total of 93 patients aged between 0 and 12 years with forearm trauma were initially examined using a 7.5-Mhz linear transducer. After diagnosis, axis deviation and treatment were fixed and standard X-rays were taken. The results of the two diagnostic procedures were compared. The examiners were doctors in training or consultants and underwent no specific training. RESULTS: We found 77 fractures in 64 patients (50 radius, 1 ulna, 13 radius and ulna). The sensitivity of ultrasound diagnostics was 94% and the specificity 99% compared with X-ray diagnosis. Mean axis deviation differences were 1.8 degrees (radius) and 0.7 degrees (ulna). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound seems to be a valuable and safe alternative to X-ray diagnosis. Patients with inconclusive findings should undergo X-ray diagnosis.
BACKGROUND: Metaphyseal forearm fractures are a common pathology in any emergency department. The standard diagnostic procedure involves X-rays of the forearm and wrist. As former studies have shown that these fractures can be visualized using ultrasound, we compared the accuracy of sonographic and X-ray diagnostics. METHODS: From January 2007 to May 2008, a total of 93 patients aged between 0 and 12 years with forearm trauma were initially examined using a 7.5-Mhz linear transducer. After diagnosis, axis deviation and treatment were fixed and standard X-rays were taken. The results of the two diagnostic procedures were compared. The examiners were doctors in training or consultants and underwent no specific training. RESULTS: We found 77 fractures in 64 patients (50 radius, 1 ulna, 13 radius and ulna). The sensitivity of ultrasound diagnostics was 94% and the specificity 99% compared with X-ray diagnosis. Mean axis deviation differences were 1.8 degrees (radius) and 0.7 degrees (ulna). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound seems to be a valuable and safe alternative to X-ray diagnosis. Patients with inconclusive findings should undergo X-ray diagnosis.
Authors: R Giardino; R Rotini; F Noia; C A Veronesi; A Carpi; A Nicolini; F de Terlizzi; M Fini; G Giavaresi Journal: Biomed Pharmacother Date: 2002-09 Impact factor: 6.529
Authors: O Ackermann; S Sesia; T Berberich; P Liedgens; K Eckert; K Grosser; M Roessler; C Rülander; T Vogel Journal: Unfallchirurg Date: 2010-10 Impact factor: 1.000