Emergency bedside ultrasound for the diagnosis of rib fractures.

The scope of clinical applications of emergency ultrasonography continues to expand. Bedside ultrasound has been typically described as an "extension of the palpating hand" and a "visual stethoscope" during physical examination. One of the relatively newer applications is its use in the detection of rib fractures. The author discusses the technique, applicability, limitations, and role of emergency ultrasound in the diagnosis of rib fractures.